Garrett Morgan
1877–1963
Invented the traffic signal and the gas mask, saving countless lives.
📖Biography
Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was an African American inventor, businessman, and community leader. Born in Paris, Kentucky, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he developed several groundbreaking inventions. His traffic signal patent was eventually purchased by General Electric for $40,000.
Key Achievements
Patented the three-position traffic signal in 1923
Invented the Morgan safety hood (precursor to the gas mask)
Rescued workers trapped in a tunnel under Lake Erie in 1916
Founded the Cleveland Call newspaper
Inventions
Life Timeline
Born in Paris, Kentucky
Moved to Cleveland, Ohio
Patented the safety hood breathing device
Rescued trapped tunnel workers using his safety hood
Patented the three-position traffic signal
Passed away in Cleveland, Ohio
Legacy & Impact
Morgan's traffic signal design became the basis for modern traffic lights used worldwide. His safety hood saved lives of firefighters and soldiers in World War I.