Land Commissioner Buckingham Announces the 2026 Save Texas History Essay Contest for 4th and 7th Grade Texas Students
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AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that the 2026 Save Texas History Essay Contest for 4th and 7th-grade Texas students is now open. The writing contest encourages students to explore topics in Texas history and culture, however big or small, that helped shape Texas.
“As a proud ninth-generation Texan, preserving Texas history is one of my top priorities,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Every year, we encourage Texas students to contribute to this crucial task of safeguarding our past through the GLO’s Save Texas History Essay Contest. I am always inspired by reading the many vibrant essays from our next generation of leaders. Challenging our youth to participate in research and writing essays rooted in the rich history of their unique Texas communities is a vital part of our mission to not only educate but also preserve the state’s many cherished stories, documents, and artifacts.”
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Essays must meet all eligibility requirements and be received by April 1, 2026. Grand prize winners and finalists will be announced on or after May 7, 2026.
Click the button below for eligibility requirements and to download a contest entry form:
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Student essays traditionally reflect the state’s rich diversity. Last year’s fourth-grade grand-prize winner, Jack Clemons of Robinson, explored the history of Texas cattle drives. As Jack noted in his essay, as far back as the 1830s “Texas had an abundance of land and cattle, and longhorns and ranches had become an important part of the Texas economy.” Karsyn Mack, last year’s seventh-grade grand prize winner, wrote about the historical and cultural influences on Texas barbeque, noting, “Texas barbeque is more than just food: It’s an experience.”
This year’s two grand-prize winners will receive a gift card worth $500 courtesy of Chris Cantu of Kingsview Partners, and a free two-night stay in Austin at Hampton Inn & Suites University/Capitol. The five finalists in each grade will receive gift cards worth $100 courtesy of the Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. All winners and finalists will receive additional prizes from the Texas General Land Office and its essay contest
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.
Teachers and students can find additional resources and information by clicking the button below:
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For questions about the contest, contact essaycontest@glo.texas.gov.
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RELATED: Commissioner Buckingham Announces New Historical Map Book, ‘Texas Takes Shape, Is Now On Sale
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas’ first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.