Scott, Winfield (1786-1866)

US military leader. During the Mexican War 1846-48 he led the capture of Veracruz and Mexico City. An unsuccessful Whig candidate for president 1852, Scott was still head of the army at the outbreak of the American Civil War 1861 but retired from active service in the same year.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Scott attended the College of William and Mary and began his military career 1807. As a colonel in the War of 1812, he won distinction at the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. Promoted to brigadier general, he saw action in the Black Hawk War 1832 and Seminole Wars 1835-37. In 1841 he became general in chief of the army.