Winfield Scott (1786-1866) was born in Virginia and died in West Point, New York. He was an American military commander and political candidate. He served as a general in the United States Army from 1814-1861, taking part in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the early stages of the American Civil War. He was known as Old Fuss and Feathers for his insistence on proper military etiquette, as well as the Grand Old Man of the Army for his many years of service. He is one of the few individuals who belonged to the three most senior military societies of the United States—the Society of the Cincinnati, the Aztec Club of 1847, and the Loyal Legion. Scott was the recipient of several honorary degrees, including a Master of Arts from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1814, a Doctor of Laws from Columbia University in 1850, and an LL.D. from Harvard University in 1861. He holds the record for the greatest length of active service as general in the U.S. Army, as well as the longest tenure as the army's chief officer. Scott's military talent was highly regarded by contemporaries and historians generally consider him to be one of the most accomplished generals in U.S. history.

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