Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan is an African American inventors, entrepreneur, and community leader who made significant contributions to public safety and transportation in the early 20th century. Born in 1877 in Kentucky, Morgan's inventive spirit and determination led him to develop several groundbreaking devices that revolutionized various industries. One of his most notable inventions was the three-position traffic signal, which he patented in 1923. This device introduced the yellow caution light, providing a safer and more efficient way to control traffic flow at intersections. Morgan's traffic signal became widely adopted and laid the foundation for modern traffic control systems. Another prominent invention by Morgan was the safety hood, a precursor to the gas mask, which he patented in 1914. The safety hood was designed to protect firefighters and other emergency responders from smoke inhalation and toxic fumes. Morgan's invention gained national attention when it was used to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel beneath Lake Erie in 1916. Throughout his career, Morgan continued to innovate and improve upon his designs, demonstrating a deep commitment to public safety and the advancement of technology. His legacy as an African American inventors during an era of racial discrimination and limited opportunities serves as an inspiration to future generations of inventors and entrepreneurs.

Garrett Morgan, African American inventors, traffic signal, safety hood

— Helen James