IOTL, a major gold rush started in California in 1849. The PoD is that the lode which starts the gold rush is discovered slightly later, in 1862. What happens?
Note, incidentally, that there is a war going on at the time. Does the Western theater suddenly become much interesting for cash-strapped governments?
Note, incidentally, that there is a war going on at the time. Does the Western theater suddenly become much interesting for cash-strapped governments?