How did technological developments in mining, farming, etc. help Americans to take economic advantage of the West?

There were many technological developments into supporting Americans. For example mining, farming, and invention. These technological developments were part of what enabled us to live today. Let's see how they related to economic advantage in the West.

Mining

The Gold Rush of 1849 was important towards American westward expansion. From James Marshall's accidental discovery, gold was greatly valued. Not only did Americans rush to California, but also the Chinese, the Mexican, the Europeans, and other races as well. Not only did the miners make profit, but the people selling the supplies in order to start gold mining. Without this, America wouldn't have been able have an economic advantage as sooner.

---

Farming

Farming was also very important in economic advancement. It included many benefits such as food, cotton for clothing, animals for eating or producing a product, and many more benefits. As Americans moved west, there was more land to occupy, so farming could further spread from east to west.

---

Industry

America's industry was a technological development into economic advantage. America's land was rich with many natural resources. For example, the abundance of trees to cut down, and obviously gold. More money was made, partnerships became companies, America was doing fine at this milestone.

---

Question   

Were there any other technological developments at this time?