35 Facts About Jon Meacham

Early Life and Education

Jon Meacham's journey began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where his family instilled a deep appreciation for education and history.

1. Jon Meacham was born on May 20, 1969, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
2. He attended St. Nicholas School and The McCallie School, both known for their academic rigor.
3. Meacham graduated summa cum laude from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 1991.

Influences and Interests

Meacham's early life experiences and interests shaped his future career as a writer and historian.

4. He developed an interest in the civil rights movement during his time at The McCallie School.
5. Growing up on a Civil War battlefield in Chattanooga gave him a tactile sense of history.
6. Meacham's upbringing in a family that valued education and history influenced his career path.

Career in Journalism

Meacham's career in journalism began shortly after college and quickly gained momentum.

7. After college, Meacham started his journalism career at The Chattanooga Times.
8. In 1993, he moved to Washington, D.C., and became co-editor of Washington Monthly.
9. By 1995, Meacham was the national affairs editor at Newsweek.
10. He became managing editor of Newsweek in late 1998 and later editor-in-chief from 2006 to 2010.

Publishing and Writing

Meacham's work in publishing and writing has been extensive and influential.

11. He served as executive editor and executive vice president at Random House.
12. Meacham has published notable books, including the letters of Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and works by Al Gore, John Danforth, Mary Soames, and Charles Peters.
13. He is a contributing writer to The New York Times Book Review and The Washington Post.
14. Meacham is also a contributing editor to Time magazine.

Acclaimed Biographer

Meacham's biographies have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

15. In 2009, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House".
16. He authored "Franklin and Winston: The Epic Friendship of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill" in 2003.
17. His 2012 book "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power" received widespread praise.
18. Meacham was selected by the Bush family to be the official biographer for George H. W. Bush, resulting in "Destiny and Power" published in 2015.
19. "Destiny and Power" was named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times.

Recent Works

Meacham continues to produce significant historical works.

20. "The Call to Serve," curated by Meacham, honors the 100th anniversary of George H. W. Bush’s birth.
21. His 2022 book "And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle" spent 16 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.
22. "And There Was Light" received the Richard Nelson Current Award of the Lincoln Forum and the Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize.

Academic and Professional Roles

Meacham's contributions extend beyond writing into academia and public service.

23. He holds the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Chair in the American Presidency at Vanderbilt University.
24. Meacham co-chairs the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & Democracy.
25. Since November 7, 2021, he has served as the Canon Historian of the Washington National Cathedral.

Public Appearances and Media

Meacham is a frequent public speaker and media presence.

26. He lectures widely in the United States on history, politics, and religious faith.
27. Meacham has appeared on talk shows such as Charlie Rose, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report, and Real Time with Bill Maher.
28. In 2014, he appeared in Ken Burns' documentary series "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History" on PBS.
29. Meacham had a cameo in the 2018 film "The Front Runner".

Awards and Honors

Meacham's work has earned him numerous awards and honors.

30. In 2013, he received the Founder’s Award from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
31. The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute honored him with the Spirit of Democracy Award in 2016.
32. Meacham has received honorary doctorates from institutions including Yale University, Williams College, and Wake Forest University.

Personal Life and Legacy

Meacham's personal life and legacy reflect his commitment to history and public service.

33. He lives in Nashville and Sewanee with his wife and children.
34. Meacham describes himself as a combination of “white,” “Southern,” “Episcopalian,” and “boring”.
35. His work continues to inspire new generations of historians and readers, offering nuanced portraits of America’s leaders and their times.

Jon Meacham's Lasting Legacy

Jon Meacham's contributions to journalism, history, and literature are nothing short of remarkable. From his early days at The Chattanooga Times to winning the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Andrew Jackson, Meacham has consistently delivered insightful and well-researched works. His biographies of Thomas Jefferson, George H. W. Bush, and Abraham Lincoln offer nuanced portraits of these complex figures, blending historical context with personal anecdotes.

Meacham's role as a Canon Historian at Washington National Cathedral and his academic positions at Vanderbilt University highlight his dedication to public service and education. His influence extends beyond books, shaping contemporary political discourse and inspiring new generations of historians. Living in Nashville and Sewanee with his family, Meacham continues to be a respected voice in American historical scholarship. His legacy is one of profound impact and enduring relevance.