Scott, Hugh Lenox, 1853-1934

Hugh Lenox Scott (b. Sept. 22, 1853, Danville, Ky.-d. Apr. 30, 1934, Washington, D.C.), Major General in the U.S. Army, graduated from West Point in 1876 and for the next 20 years served on the frontier, chiefly with the 7th Cavalry. He fought in campaigns against Indians of the Plains and became an expert in their languages. He was commander of Troop L of the 7th Cavalry, the last Indian troop in the Army. He also served during the Spanish-American War, as military governor in the Philippines, and was superintendent of West Point for four years. General Scott was influential in winning acceptance of the notion of conscription prior to World War I. He retired in May 1919.

From the description of Scott, Hugh Lenox, 1853-1934 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10571093

Army officer and public official.

From the description of Hugh Lenox Scott papers, 1582-1981 (bulk 1845-1934). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70980200

Biographical Note

• 1853, Sept. 22: Born, Danville, Ky.
• 1876: Graduated, United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.
• 1876 - 1878 : Campaigned with Sioux, Nez Percé, and Cheyenne Indian expeditions
• 1897: Assigned to Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., to produce written record of Plains Indian languages
• 1898: Acting governor general of Cuba following Spanish-American War
• 1903 - 1906 : Served in Philippines, ultimately as governor
• 1906 - 1910 : Superintendent, United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.
• 1910 - 1914 : Mediator, Mexican border and Indian troubles
• 1914 - 1917 : Chief of staff, United States Army
• 1917 - 1919 : Member, United States mission to Russia
• 1919 - 1933 : Member, Board of Indian Commissioners, Department of the Interior
• 1934, Apr. 20: Died, Washington, D.C.

From the guide to the Hugh Lenox Scott Papers, 1582-1981, (bulk 1845-1934), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)