AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is proud to announce the kickoff of the 2022 Save Texas History Essay Contest for 4th and 7th grade students. The Save Texas History Essay Contest encourages students to answer an important question: “What history in your community is worth saving?”

“Communities across the Lone Star State are rich with history and culturally significant places whether we realize it or not”, said Commissioner Bush. “We always appreciate monumental historic sites like the Alamo but tend to forget the history outside our front doors. This essay contest provides young Texans the opportunity to dig deeper into the history of where we call home, and as a former history teacher, I am looking forward to reading everything they have to say.”

Last year’s student essays reflected the rich diversity of community history in Texas. The fourth-grade grand prize winner, Dominique “Nicky” McAnespy of Crosby, explored the roots of her vibrant city. From its beginnings as a railroad town, to its ties with founding Irish immigrants, Czech traditions, and a post-Civil War community of formerly enslaved people, Nicky illustrated the diverse heritage of her hometown.

The seventh-grade grand prize winner, Avi Singleterry, wrote about Rockport’s important shrimping industry. He noted that shrimping has played a vital role in Rockport’s economy for generations, while also highlighting his own family connection to it. Its importance also spans beyond the economic. As Avi pointed out, “Rockport’s iconic shrimp boats have inspired artists and even musicians for decades.”

The contest is open to all age-appropriate 4th & 7th grade students in public, private, and home schools in Texas. One grand prize winner from each grade will receive a gift card worth $500, courtesy of Chris Cantu of Edward Jones Investments. Ten finalists, five from each grade, will receive $100 gift cards, courtesy of the Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and Buck Cole. All winners and finalists will receive Save Texas History backpacks, a letter of appreciation signed by Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, and other items from the Texas General Land Office and Texas State Historical Association. Teachers of winning students will receive complimentary items, as well.

The Texas General Land Office Save Texas History program is a statewide initiative to rally public support and private funding for the preservation and promotion of more than 35 million historic maps and documents. With the twin goals of preservation and education, the Save Texas History program seeks to conserve these documents for future generations and educate Texans about the rich heritage found in these vital records. You can follow Save Texas History on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow the Texas General Land Office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Entries must meet all eligibility requirements and be received by November 30, 2022. More information and the contest entry form can be found here.