Annual Texas History Essay Contest
Inspiring Young Texas Historians
The Alamo Mission Chapter proudly sponsors the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Annual Texas History Essay Contest, encouraging fourth and seventh grade students to explore the people, places, and events that shaped early Texas through historical research and original writing.
The contest helps students strengthen their research, writing, and critical thinking skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for Texas history. Outstanding essays have the opportunity to advance through three levels of competition, earning recognition at the local, district, and state levels.
2027 7th Grade
Essay Topic
2027 4th Grade
Essay Topic
Judging Process
The Texas History Essay Contest is conducted in three levels of competition, giving students multiple opportunities for recognition.
Chapter Competition
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Submit your essay to the Alamo Mission Chapter by the local deadline.
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Essays are judged by chapter members.
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One Fourth Grade and one Seventh Grade winner advance to District competition.
District Competition
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Winning essays from each chapter are judged by the District Representative and committee.
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Each of the ten DRT districts selects one Fourth Grade and one Seventh Grade winner.
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District winners receive:
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Certificate of Achievement
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$50 Cash Award
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Winning essays advance to the State competition.
State Competition
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The Historic Education Committee and Historian General select one statewide winner in each division.
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State winners receive:
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$500 Cash Award
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Certificate
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Commemorative Plaque
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Recognition at the annual Daughters of the Republic of Texas Convention
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Invitation for the student and two guests to attend the DRT Awards Luncheon, where winners may be invited to read their essays.
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Why Participate?
The Annual Texas History Essay Contest encourages students to:
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Explore the people, places, and events that shaped early Texas.
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Strengthen research and writing skills.
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Develop critical thinking and communication abilities.
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Showcase their work at the chapter, district, and state levels.
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Celebrate Texas history while competing for recognition and awards.
Essay Requirements
To be eligible for judging, essays must:
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Be the student's original work.
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Be written in English.
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Include a minimum of four research references, with no more than two internet sources.
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Include a separate bibliography.
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Demonstrate historical accuracy, organization, originality, and proper grammar.
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Include the completed DRT Student Essay Submission Form.
7th Grade
Submission Form
4th Grade
Submission Form
Photo / Video
Release Form
Additional Information &
Contest Requirements
For the current essay topic, contest deadlines, and official contest rules, please visit the Texas History Essays page on the Daughters of the Republic of Texas website.
Questions? Contact our Education Committee Chair:
Linda Stewart
210-458-2502
Congratulations to All Our Winners!
Robert Wilson Landrum Altmeyer
2025 7th Grade Essay Winner
District VII Essay Winner
Anna Sophia Rodriquez - Wood
2024 7th Grade Essay Winner
Jane Carter Altmeyer
2024 4th Grade Essay Winner
2024 District VII
Robert Altmeyer
2023 4th Grade Essay Winner
2023 District VII Winner
Katherine Anne Stewart Altmeyer
St. Mary's Hall
2022 7th Grade Essay Winner
2022 District VII & State Winner
Tressa Lynch
Manavon Elementary (Pennsylvania)
2022 4th Grade Essay Winner
Ian Hutchins
San Antonio Academy
2021 7th Grade Essay Winner
Katherine Anne Stewart Altmeyer
2019 4th grade History Essay Winner
Ignatius "Naish" Lynch
Barkley Elementary (Pennsylvania)
2020 4th Grade Essay Winner
Emersyn Landrum
Saint George Episcopal
2020 7th Grade Essay Winner
Georgia Martinez
2019 7th grade Essay Winner
