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Winfield Scott
Winfield Scott (1786-1866) was one of the most important American military figures of the early 19th century. After fighting on the Niagara frontier during the War of 1812, Scott pushed for a permanent army that adhered to standards of professionalism. -
American soldiers at Buffalo, New York
He rigorously trained American soldiers at Buffalo, New York, and in the summer of 1814 demonstrated what disciplined troops could do at the decisive victory near Chippewa Creek and the bloody stalemate along Lundy’s Lane. -
General Regulations for the Army
In 1821, he wrote “General Regulations for the Army,” the first comprehensive, systematic set of military bylaws that set standards for every aspect of the soldier’s life. -
Mexico City campaign
Although his character contained flaws, Scott’s military ability was unquestioned, and his rise continued during the Mexican-American War. In the Mexico City campaign in 1847, he repeatedly maneuvered his opponents out of their defensive positions. -
Scout route
His chief engineer, Captain Robert E. Lee, helped scout the route for some of these flank maneuvers, thus molding his own skills for a later war. Scott was not averse to using frontal assaults if necessary, but he preferred to win victories by siegecraft or turning movements. -
To Scott war was like a game of chess
Scott was not averse to using frontal assaults if necessary, but he preferred to win victories by siegecraft or turning movements. War to him was much like a game of chess that matched brains as well as brawn. His tactics were not always as glamorous as they might have been had he relied more on the bayonet charge, but neither were they as costly. Upon duke of Wellington proclaimed him the greatest living soldier. -
Commanding generals
Named commanding general of the U.S. Army in 1841, Scott unsuccessfully ran for president as the Whig Party nominee in 1852. His Civil War tactics were originally derided, but eventually became part of the Union’s successful strategy. -
Scott running for Whig nominee
Winfield Scott served as commanding general of the army from 1841 to 1861. He had a lifelong ambition to be president, but the closest he came was running as the Whig nominee in 1852. -
The Anaconda plan
In 1861 he devised the Union strategy called the Anaconda Plan, which emphasized a coastal blockade and utilization of river systems. By maintaining constant pressure on the South, Scott intended to gradually squeeze the life out of the Confederacy. -
Winfield Scott's death
By maintaining constant pressure on the South, Scott intended to gradually squeeze the life out of the Confederacy. Although initially scoffed at, his method was eventually used to defeat the Confederacy. Because of old age and infirmities he retired from the army in 1861, and he died at his beloved West Point in 1866.