Garrett A. Morgan: The Inventor Who Revolutionized Traffic Safety and Public Health
Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. was an American inventor whose innovations have made a lasting impact on society, particularly in the fields of public safety and transportation. Born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky, to former slaves, Morgan's early life was humble, but his curiosity and passion for problem-solving led him to invent several revolutionary products, including the three-position traffic signal and the safety hood, which became a precursor to the modern gas mask.
Morgan’s journey into invention began as a young man working as a handyman in Cincinnati before settling in Cleveland, Ohio. While working as a repairman for sewing machines, he developed a keen interest in tinkering with gadgets and materials. This drive for innovation eventually led him to open his own sewing equipment repair shop in 1907, followed by a tailoring business in 1909. By the 1920s, Morgan had established himself as a successful businessman, but it was his experiences with automobiles and traffic safety that led to one of his most significant contributions.
In the early 1900s, the streets of Cleveland—and many other American cities—were chaotic, with pedestrians, bicycles, horse-drawn carts, and motor vehicles all sharing the same space. Witnessing accidents at intersections, including a horrific collision between an automobile and a horse-drawn carriage, Morgan was inspired to improve traffic management. While other inventors had experimented with traffic signals, it was Morgan who patented the first three-position traffic signal in 1923. This innovation introduced a third, "caution" light, allowing for a safer transition between stop and go, and ultimately leading to the modern traffic light system we use today.
In addition to his work on traffic signals, Morgan also made significant contributions to public safety with his invention of the safety hood, which helped protect against smoke inhalation. In 1916, Morgan used his safety hood to rescue workers trapped after an explosion in a tunnel beneath Lake Erie. His bravery and ingenuity saved lives, but despite his heroic actions, Morgan's efforts went largely unrecognized due to the racial prejudices of the time.
Morgan's legacy extends beyond his inventions. He was a respected figure in the African American community in Cleveland, founding the Cleveland Call, a significant African American newspaper, and supporting causes through his involvement with the NAACP. Morgan passed away in 1963, but his contributions to public safety and transportation continue to be celebrated. His traffic signal is even on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, honoring his role in shaping modern society.
