It’s fascinating that American (both sides of the M/D line) technology and manufacturing was that innovative, that long ago.
Let’s stop sending those abilities to other countries.
Make America that great. Again.
Think about the regulatory agencies that did not exist at that time. Also, consider the sources of government revenue at the time. Moreover, there weren’t millions of folks on welfare in those days.
I found this bit of technology on display in Vicksburg to be quite fascinating...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cairo
Well worth a visit.