AbstractWinfield Scott was a true American hero. Serving in 3 wars and numerous other battles and conflicts, he left a legacy that has been talked about for over 5 decades. He served in the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War. He began his military career and quickly advanced through the ranks. He was a formidable leader and very scholar of military tactics. A large man, he stood 6 1/2 feet tall and commanded respect both in and out of uniform. He was nicknamed "Old Hustle and Feathers" because of his respect for military procedures and the wearing of military uniforms. He wrote the first comprehensive manual of military tactics in the U.S. Army in 1825. He later expanded it with the completion of Infantry Tactics in 1835. These manuals helped lay the foundation for some of our modern military tactics. A combination of literary works and online resources has been used for the information in this article. Winfield Scott was one of America's most notable and honored war heroes. Serving in the United States Army for over 50 years, Scott experienced the rigors of battle in three different wars. Winfield Scott served in the War of 1812, Black Hawk's 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 the United States' 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 enlisted in the United States Army in 1808, Scott's ambition to become a lawyer diminished and he subsequently began to concentrate on my... middle of paper... United States Army in 1825. He later expanded this with the completion of Infantry Tactics in 1835. These manuals helped form the basis for some of our modern military tactics. Winfield Scott left a legacy that would live on vividly in the minds of Americans for five decades. Historians consider him the greatest military strategist of his time. References Carnes, M. C. and Garraty, J. A. 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, California: American Publishing Company West 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