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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) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
As Alamo Heights residents reflect on the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson, they may consider how his ideals have shaped the city's own development. The tension between limited government and the pursuit of liberty, for example, is evident in local debates over zoning regulations and community growth. Jefferson's emphasis on education is also relevant, given the city's strong support for its public schools and the presence of nearby universities. Furthermore, the contradictions in Jefferson's life, such as his ownership of slaves while advocating for equality, may prompt residents to think critically about the city's own history and the ways in which it has addressed issues of diversity and inclusion. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Alamo Heights can engage in a nuanced exploration of Jefferson's legacy and its ongoing impact on the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hillel Italie, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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