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A Jefferson for every era, from Lincoln to Trump, and the contradictions that endure
By Hillel Italie, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 30, 2026
· 6 min read
He's a prize-winning presidential historian who wrote an entire biography of Thomas Jefferson. But even Jon Meacham needs to think for a moment before defining what it means to be a “Jeffersonian.”"Well for a long time, before the civil rights movement, it meant to be more inclined toward states'...
Key takeaway ”"Well for a long time, before the civil rights movement, it meant to be more inclined toward states' rights and limited government," says Meacham, the National Constitution Center's Semiquincentennial Scholar.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
As San Antonio prepares to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary, the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson serves as a reminder of the city's own rich history and contradictions. Like Jefferson, San Antonio has a multifaceted identity, shaped by its Spanish colonial past, its role in the Texas Revolution, and its modern-day status as a thriving metropolis. The city's own founding and growth are testaments to the tensions between limited government and imperial ambitions, as well as the struggles for equality and justice that have defined the nation's path. As locals reflect on Jefferson's enduring influence, they may also consider the ways in which San Antonio's own history embodies similar contradictions, from the Alamo's symbol of freedom to the city's ongoing efforts to address issues of social and economic inequality. By examining Jefferson's legacy, San Antonians can gain a deeper understanding of their own city's complexities and the ongoing quest for a more perfect union.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? He's a prize-winning presidential historian who wrote an entire biography of Thomas Jefferson. But even Jon Meacham needs to think for a moment before defining what it means to be a “Jeffersonian.”"Well for a long time, before the civil rights movement, it meant to be more inclined toward states'...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hillel Italie, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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