Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor. He was born in Paris, Kentucky, in 1877. He invented an improved traffic signal and a safety hood that was an early gas mask. His inventions saved many lives.

Early Life

Morgan had only an elementary school education. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, as a teenager. He taught himself about machines and opened a sewing machine repair shop. He was always thinking of ways to solve problems.

Big Achievements

Morgan invented a safety hood that protected firefighters from smoke. He used it to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel in 1916. He also invented the three-position traffic signal with a warning light. He sold the patent to General Electric for $40,000.

Fun Facts

• Morgan personally used his safety hood to rescue 32 workers from a tunnel explosion.
• His traffic signal added the yellow caution light that we still use today.
• He also invented a hair straightening cream by accident.

Did You Know?

After Morgan rescued the tunnel workers, many cities wanted to buy his safety hoods. But when they found out he was Black, some canceled their orders. Despite this racism, his inventions went on to save countless lives.