SummaryWinfield Scott was a true American hero. Having served in three wars and numerous other battles and conflicts, he left a legacy that has been talked about for more than five decades. He served in the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. He began his military career and quickly rose through the ranks. He was a formidable leader and very studious in military tactics. A large man, he stood 6 1/2 feet tall and demanded respect whether in uniform or without. He was nicknamed "Old Fuss and Feathers" because of his respect for military procedures and wearing military uniforms. He wrote the U.S. Army's first comprehensive manual of military tactics in 1825. He later expanded on it with the completion of Infantry Tactics in 1835. These manuals helped form the basis for some of our military tactics modern. A combination of literary works and online resources was used for the information in this article. Winfield Scott was one of America's most prominent and honored war heroes. Serving in the U.S. Army for more than 50 years, Scott experienced the horrors of battle in three different wars. Winfield Scott served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War (1832), the Mexican War (1846-1848), and the American Civil War (1861-1865) (The World Book Encyclopedia, 2004). This article will discuss Winfield Scott's life during one of America's most historic periods and show how his actions helped shape our military tactics. Winfield Scott was born June 13, 1876, near Petersburg, Virginia. Being very ambitious, Scott went to William and Mary College to study law. When he joined the United States Army in 1808, Scott's ambition to become a lawyer dwindled and subsequently he began to concentrate on the middle of paper...... The U.S. Army in 1825. He later expanded it with the completion of Infantry Tactics in 1835. These manuals helped form the basis of some of our modern military tactics. Winfield Scott left a legacy that will remain in the minds of Americans for five decades. Historians consider him the greatest military strategist of his time. References Carnes, MC and Garraty, JA The American Nation: Volume One: A History of the United States to 1877 (11th ed.). New York: LongmanGreenblatt, M. (2003). War of 1812. New York: Facts on File, Inc. Oates, S.B. (1968). The Republic of Texas. Palo Alto, CA: American West Publishing Company Scott, Winfield (2004). In The World Book Encyclopedia (Vol. 22, pp. 364-365). Chicago: World Book, Inc. Winfield Scott 1786-1866. Retrieved March 6, 2005 from http://www.us-history.com