Winfield Scott
Winfield Scott
June 13 1786 - May 29 1866
Winfield Scott was a the longest serving active duty general in United States history. His career was 53 years and at the start of the Civil War was the general in charge of the Union army. At the very start of the war he had realized that his age and health problems could cause issues and so offered his command to Robert E Lee who refused it.
Scott developed a slow plan to destroy the Confederacy which was in opposition to public opinion for a swift campaign. His plan, called the "Anaconda Plan" by opponents was meant to defeat the south with a naval blockade and an invasion of the Mississippi river valley. It was ultimately this plan that was followed by the Union armies. Scott was replaced by George McClellan.
