Winfield Scott's Vision for the Army

Truly visionary, Winfield Scott's enduring contribution to the Union war effort was the "Anaconda Plan." This plan in essence became the basic overall Union military strategy in the American Civil War. Unlike most in 1861, Scott envisioned a protracted four-year-long war that would involve large numbers of troops and a grand strategy.

Winfield Scott had another vision in 1861. This vision determined the role the standing, Regular Army would play as the Union mobilized to suppress the rebellion of the Southern states. Scott's vision called for the Regulars to be a nucleus for the Union Army to form around as it expanded. Scott's decision to keep Regular units intact would have a lasting impact on mobilization, training and the war effort the next four years. Some tried to persuade Scott to scatter Regular officers and men throughout formations to be teachers or a "training cadre."