Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan was an American inventor and businessman best known for creating the three-position traffic light and an early version of the gas mask. His inventions improved public safety and are still used today in modern forms. Despite facing racial barriers, Morgan’s work had a lasting impact on society.

Early Life and Background

Garrett Augustus Morgan was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky, USA. He was the son of formerly enslaved parents and had little formal education. At the age of 14, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to find work.

Morgan was naturally curious and skilled in mechanics. While working as a sewing machine repairman, he started developing new ideas and inventions that would later make history.

The Gas Mask Invention

One of Morgan’s most important inventions was the safety hood, an early version of the modern gas mask.

How It Worked

• The mask used tubes and wet sponges to filter out smoke and toxic gases.
• It allowed people to breathe safely in dangerous environments, such as fires and chemical spills.

Morgan patented the design in 1914 and demonstrated its effectiveness by personally rescuing trapped workers from a tunnel explosion in Cleveland in 1916.

Later, his gas mask design was adopted by firefighters, emergency workers, and even the U.S. military during World War I.

The Invention of the Traffic Light

In the early 20th century, streets were becoming crowded with cars, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians, leading to frequent accidents.

Morgan noticed that existing stop-and-go signals were too simple and often caused confusion. So, in 1923, he invented a three-position traffic light that introduced the “warning” position (yellow light).

How It Improved Traffic Safety

• The yellow light gave drivers time to slow down before stopping.
• It reduced accidents caused by sudden stops.
• His design became the basis for the modern traffic light system used worldwide.

Morgan sold the patent to General Electric, and his idea was soon adopted in cities across America.

Challenges and Recognition

As an African American inventor in the early 1900s, Morgan faced discrimination and racism. Some companies were reluctant to buy his inventions when they learned about his background.

However, he didn’t let these challenges stop him. He built a successful business and continued to improve public safety through his inventions.

Later in life, Morgan received many honors, including:

• The Honorary Citizens Medal from the U.S. government.
• Recognition from engineering and science organizations.
• His gas mask and traffic light designs becoming global safety standards.

Legacy

Garrett Morgan’s inventions have saved countless lives. Today, his traffic light system is used in every country, and his gas mask helped pave the way for modern protective equipment.

Morgan passed away on July 27, 1963, but his contributions to safety and technology live on.

Conclusion

Garrett Morgan’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and impact. Despite facing racial barriers, he created inventions that have shaped modern society. His traffic light and gas mask continue to protect lives, proving that one person’s ideas can change the world.