Short Summary
Garrett Morgan was an African-American inventor, entrepreneur, and community leader, best known for inventing the three-position traffic signal and a smoke hood that evolved into the modern gas mask. His work significantly improved public safety and mechanical efficiency, making him one of the most impactful Black inventors of the early 20th century.
Early Life & Education
Garrett Augustus Morgan was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky, to formerly enslaved parents. With only a sixth-grade education, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 14 to find work and eventually settled in Cleveland. There, he continued his education with private tutoring and developed a passion for repairing machinery and inventing practical devices to solve everyday problems.
Career Highlights
Starting as a sewing machine repairman, Morgan eventually opened his own sewing equipment and tailoring business. His keen understanding of mechanics led him to invent a hair-straightening cream for African-American hair, which he marketed through his company, G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company. He later turned his attention to public safety and mechanical innovation, patenting a smoke hood in 1914 and a traffic signal in 1923.
Major Achievements
- Invented a smoke hood (early gas mask) used to rescue workers during the 1916 Lake Erie tunnel disaster.
- Patented a three-position traffic signal in 1923, adding a "caution" phase that improved traffic safety.
- Founded multiple successful businesses including a sewing machine shop and a cosmetics company.
- Was one of the first African-American men in Cleveland to own a car.
- Became a prominent voice in the African-American community, founding a newspaper and supporting civil rights causes.
Famous Quotes
"If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?"
Interesting Facts
- His traffic signal was later sold to General Electric for $40,000.
- Morgan’s race was sometimes hidden when selling his inventions to avoid racial prejudice.
- He received a gold medal for his gas mask from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
- He established the *Cleveland Call*, an African-American newspaper.
- Despite his accomplishments, he faced significant discrimination during his lifetime.
Legacy / Influence
Garrett Morgan's innovations in safety technology and his entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for future inventors, particularly within the African-American community. His traffic signal became a prototype for modern signals, and his early gas mask saved lives long before it became standard equipment. Morgan's legacy lives on as a symbol of creativity, resilience, and lasting public service.
FAQ
Q: What is Garrett Morgan most famous for?A: He is best known for inventing the three-position traffic signal and a prototype gas mask.
Q: How did Morgan's gas mask make an impact?
A: It saved lives during the 1916 Cleveland waterworks tunnel rescue and inspired future gas mask designs.
Q: Did Garrett Morgan sell his inventions?
A: Yes, he sold his traffic signal patent to General Electric.
Q: Was Garrett Morgan formally educated?
A: He had limited formal education but pursued private studies and self-learning.
Q: What other businesses did he run?
A: He owned a sewing machine repair shop, a cosmetics company, and a newspaper called the Cleveland Call.
