History Worth Saving? Trammel's Trace is says Ava Richey

Each year, the Texas General Land Office sponsors an essay contest for 4th and 7th-grade students, the two grades where Texas history is taught. This year the statewide contest encouraged students to promote their communities’ history by answering an important question: “What history in your community is worth saving?

Ava Richey, a 4th grader from Omaha, Texas answered that question —- Trammel’s Trace.

Ava lives near visible ruts of Trammel’s Trace in Cass County north of Hughes Springs. Family friends own land with remains of Trammel’s Trace, and the Trammel’s Trace historical marker on Highway 77 near Dalton Church identifies the road as well. in her essay Ava explained how Trammell and those who came before and after him “left behind an old road between Arkansas and Texas that was a road between the past and the future of an entire region and its people.”

Ava Richey, 4th grade essay finalist from Omaha TX

As one of the finalists, Ava received a $100 gift card courtesy of the Sons of the Republic of Texas – Moses Austin Chapter and Buck Cole. In addition, all winners and finalists received a Save Texas History backpack and t-shirt; a Certificate of Achievement signed by Commissioner George P. Bush; and other items from the contest sponsors and GLO online store. And yours truly sent her a limited edition “Rut Nut” T-shirt.

The names of the two Grand Prize winners and all the finalists can be found online at Save Texas History. Ava’s essay is found below and on the Trammel’s Trace “Rut Nut” Facebook Group.

Congratulations, Ava, for Paying History Forward!