02/03/2025
Garrett Morgan (1877–1963) – The Man Who Made Roads Safer
Garrett Augustus Morgan was a self-taught Black inventor and entrepreneur whose innovations continue to impact society today. Born in 1877 in Claysville, Kentucky, Morgan only received an elementary school education before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, in search of work. His keen mechanical skills and business acumen allowed him to become one of the most successful Black inventors of the early 20th century.
The Three-Position Traffic Signal
One of Morgan’s most significant inventions was the **three-position traffic signal**, which revolutionized road safety. Before his invention, traffic lights only had two signals—“Stop” and “Go”—which often led to accidents, especially when drivers had no warning that the light was about to change.
Morgan witnessed a serious car accident at a Cleveland intersection, which inspired him to design a third signal: “Caution” (the forerunner of today's yellow light). This addition allowed drivers time to slow down before the light changed, reducing collisions. In 1923, he patented this innovation and later sold the rights to **General Electric for $40,000**—a massive sum at the time. His invention laid the foundation for modern traffic control systems used worldwide.
The Safety Hood (Early Gas Mask)
Morgan also invented the **safety hood**, an early version of the modern gas mask. In 1914, he developed a device with tubes that allowed wearers to breathe clean air in smoke-filled or toxic environments. The invention gained national attention when Morgan and his brother used it to rescue trapped workers during the **Cleveland Tunnel Explosion of 1916**. Despite this heroic act, racial prejudice prevented many from recognizing him as the inventor, and white salesmen were often hired to promote the product. The U.S. Army later adopted versions of Morgan’s design for soldiers in World War I.
Entrepreneurial Legacy
Beyond inventing, Morgan was a savvy businessman. He founded **G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company**, selling hair care products, including a hair straightening cream that became popular nationwide. As one of the first Black entrepreneurs to own a car in Cleveland, he understood the importance of road safety firsthand, which led to his traffic signal breakthrough.
Despite facing racial barriers, Morgan’s work saved countless lives. His patents and inventions earned him a place in history, and in 2005, he was posthumously inducted into the **National Inventors Hall of Fame**. Today, every traffic light we encounter bears the influence of his genius.
