[ckilmer]

I asked AI: list the infrastucture projects which received federal help before 1860.

Answer
Prior to 1860, the federal government provided assistance for various infrastructure projects, including:

Roads: The federal government funded the construction of roads, such as the Cumberland Road, a national highway that connected Cumberland, Maryland, and Vandalia, Illinois

Canals: Federal support was provided for the construction of canals, including the Erie Canal, which was a major waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River

Rivers and Harbors: The government allocated funds for river and harbor projects to improve navigation and facilitate trade and transportation

Aids to Navigation: Investments were made in erecting lighthouses and other aids to navigation to ensure safe maritime transportation

These infrastructure investments were aimed at improving transportation, fostering economic growth, and promoting national unity

[ckilmer]

Here’s are a couple articles on the subject
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure_policy_of_the_United_States

https://eh.net/book_reviews/opening-the-west-federal-internal-improvements-before-1860/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/studies-in-american-political-development/article/abs/internal-improvements-and-the-union-17901860/3600F71EABC2CFC64CE08F66995F5B90

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-ushistory1/chapter/on-the-move-the-transportation-revolution/

https://study.com/learn/lesson/henry-clay-american-system-overview-analysis.html

[Chad C. Mulligan]

I’ve had a friend who doesn’t care about his internet security to “ask AI” about things I already knew. The answers were laughable. Ask your “AI” to be a bit more specific. Exactly what infrastructure project, what congressional appropriation, dates, etc.

Bonds for construction of the Erie Canal were backed by the government, but no money was expended. That I know. Coastal fortifications were funded under the military appropriation. But while promoters kept trying to get Congress to fund roads and canals before the Civil War, I can’t think of any that weren’t slapped down. The expenditure of public monies to support private profit was widely considered immoral. Something that was too close to the British custom of royal franchises.