February is Black History Month! As part of the celebration, PA Virtual is featuring blog posts about historical figures we don’t hear about often throughout the year in history class.

 

Garrett Morgan: The Inventor Who Helped Keep Us Safe on the Streets

Imagine a world with no traffic lights. Cars, wagons, bikes, and people all trying to move through busy streets at the same time—no signals, no rules, just chaos. Sounds dangerous, right?

 

That’s exactly the problem Garrett Morgan noticed more than 100 years ago. His ideas helped make roads safer for everyone, and one of his inventions still affects your life every single day, even if you’ve never heard his name before.

 

Garrett Morgan was the inventor of the three-light traffic signal, but that was only one part of his incredible story. He was also a businessman, a problem-solver, and a hero who saved lives.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the traffic light.

 
Who Was Garrett Morgan?

Garrett Augustus Morgan was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky. He was the son of formerly enslaved parents, which meant his family faced many challenges even after slavery ended. Morgan did not have the chance to go to much school. In fact, he left school after sixth grade. But that didn’t stop him from learning.

 

Instead of classrooms, Morgan learned through:

- Reading books

- Watching how machines worked

- Experimenting with ideas on his own

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He believed that education doesn’t only happen in school, but it happens when you stay curious and keep asking questions.

 

Moving North to Chase Opportunity

As a teenager, Garrett Morgan moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and later to Cleveland, where there were more job opportunities for Black Americans. He worked as a handyman, a sewing machine repairman, and a factory worker While repairing machines, Morgan noticed ways they could work better or safer. He didn’t just fix problems—he tried to improve things. Eventually, he opened his own sewing machine repair shop, and later a tailoring business. This business success gave him money and freedom to invent.

 
A Natural Inventor and Problem Solver

Garrett Morgan didn’t invent things just to invent them. He created solutions to real-world problems.

 

Some of his inventions included:

  • - A hair-straightening product (which led to a successful hair care business)

  • - A safety hood (an early gas mask)

  • - A three-position traffic signal

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Each invention came from noticing a problem and asking:

“How can this be safer or better?”

 

The Invention That Saved Lives: The Safety Hood

Before we talk about traffic lights, we need to talk about another important invention—one that made Morgan a hero. In 1914, Morgan invented a safety hood designed to help people breathe in smoky or dangerous environments. This invention is considered an early version of the gas mask.

 

The Cleveland Tunnel Disaster

In 1916, a massive explosion occurred in a water tunnel under Lake Erie in Cleveland. Toxic gas filled the tunnel, trapping workers underground. Many rescuers were afraid to go in as it was too dangerous. Garrett Morgan, however, rushed to the scene with his safety hoods. He and his brother put them on and entered the tunnel, helping rescue several trapped workers. Even though Morgan saved lives, newspapers at the time did not always give him credit because of racial discrimination.

 

Still, his invention proved its value, and versions of his safety hood were later used by:

  • - Firefighters

  • - Soldiers in World War I

  • - Emergency responders

 
Traffic Was a Mess in the Early 1900s

Now let’s get back to traffic.

 

In the early 1900s:

  • - Cars were becoming more popular

  • - Horse-drawn wagons still used the roads

  • - Pedestrians crossed wherever they could

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There was no traffic lights like we have today. Some intersections had police officers directing traffic by hand, but that wasn’t always safe or efficient. Garrett Morgan personally witnessed a serious accident at a busy intersection. Seeing the confusion and danger inspired him to act.

 

Inventing the Three-Light Traffic Signal

In 1923, Garrett Morgan patented a new traffic signal design.

 

Unlike earlier signals, Morgan’s invention included three positions instead of two and a warning signal that told drivers to prepare to stop. Before this, most signals only said stop and go. Morgan added a third step what we now know as the yellow light. So, why was this so important?

 

The yellow light:

  • - Gave drivers time to slow down

  • - Reduced sudden stops

  • - Helped prevent accidents

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This simple idea made intersections much safer. Even though modern traffic lights are electric and more advanced, they still follow Morgan’s basic three-signal system:

  • Red – Stop
  • Yellow – Slow down and prepare
  • Green – Go
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Every time you wait at a stoplight, you’re using Garrett Morgan’s idea.

 

Selling the Idea (and Facing Challenges)

Garrett Morgan sold the rights to his traffic signal to General Electric for $40,000—a huge amount of money at the time. However, like many Black inventors of his era, Morgan faced racism, fewer business opportunities and limited recognition. Some companies were hesitant to work with him once they realized he was Black. Still, Morgan continued inventing and running successful businesses.

 

Why Garrett Morgan Matters Today

You might be wondering: “Why should I care about someone who lived over 100 years ago?” Here’s why Garrett Morgan still matters:

 1. He Proved You Don’t Need Perfect Conditions to Succeed

Morgan had limited schooling, faced discrimination, and still changed the world.

2. He Used Creativity to Solve Real Problems

His inventions weren’t about fame—they were about safety and helping others.

3. His Work Still Affects Your Life

From traffic lights to safety equipment, his ideas are still in use today.

4. He Shows the Power of Perseverance

When doors closed, Morgan found windows—and sometimes built his own doors.

 

Fun Facts About Garrett Morgan

He never learned to drive—but he invented a traffic signal

He hired tutors to continue learning as an adult

He owned and published a newspaper

He held several patents, even without a college degree

 

What Can Students Learn From Garrett Morgan?

For students young and old, Garrett Morgan’s story has some powerful lessons:

Stay curious – Ask questions about how things work

Notice problems – Even small problems can inspire big ideas

Don’t let limits define you – Your background doesn’t determine your future

Use your talents to help others – The best inventions improve lives

 

Final Thoughts

Garrett Morgan didn’t just invent a traffic light—he helped make the world safer, smarter, and more organized. He saw problems others accepted and thought: “There has to be a better way.” Because of that mindset, millions of people are safer every day.

So next time you’re waiting at a red light, remember: You’re stopping because of an inventor who believed that thinking differently could save lives. And maybe—just maybe—that inventor mindset lives inside you too 

 

If you would like to learn more about Garrett Morgan, or other American inventors, check out your local library! They are a great and underutilized resource for learning and fun.