I'm writing a novel for my creative writing class. Its an alternative history story where the Mongols have colonized the west coast of North America. As America travels west, they find the mongols and war ensues. This story takes place in the 1830s. What technology, militaristic or otherwise, would be available to the average American?
I can't offer a whole lot of specifics, but will point you to a few books that might help:
John Larson, Internal Improvement -- he focuses more on the politics of infrastructure development, but there's quite a bit on the actual improvements -- roads, canals, etc.
Steve Usselman, Regulating Railroad Innovation -- IIRC, this books "starts" in '40 or so. Again, quite a bit of policy, but the policy is a direct extension of railroad technology. Very good book.
Richard R John, Spreading the News and Network Nation: Inventing American Telecommunications -- I can't think of anyone who understands the 19th C in the US batter than John. Politics, technology, culture, business, etc. These are great books, loaded with info.