Garret A. Morgan: The Innovative Mind Behind the Traffic Light and Gas Mask

Written by Rough Ashlar with assistance from ChatGPT

Garret Augustus Morgan was an inventor, businessman, and community leader who lived from 1877 to 1963. Born in Paris, Kentucky, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio as a young man and became one of the most notable African American inventors of his time. Morgan was known for his creativity, his drive to improve the world around him, and his commitment to his community. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Garret Morgan, focusing on his two most famous inventions, the traffic light and the gas mask, as well as his other contributions to technology and society.

Garret Morgan began his career as a sewing machine repairman and later opened his own business, the Cleveland Clothing Company. However, he quickly became known for his innovative spirit and his interest in science and technology. In 1914, he invented the traffic light, which revolutionized the way people controlled the flow of traffic in cities around the world.

Morgan's traffic light was designed to be simple and efficient, with only three positions: "Stop," "Go," and "Caution." It was also designed to be highly visible, with red, green, and yellow lenses that could be seen from a distance. The traffic light quickly became popular and was soon adopted by cities across the United States and Europe. It is considered one of the most important inventions of the 20th century and has saved countless lives by preventing traffic accidents.

In addition to the traffic light, Morgan also invented the gas mask. This was a response to the increasing number of industrial accidents and fires in the early 20th century, which often resulted in the release of toxic gases into the air. Morgan's gas mask was designed to protect the user from these dangerous substances and was one of the first of its kind.

Morgan's gas mask was a simple but effective device that used a charcoal filter to remove harmful gases from the air. The mask was made of rubber and was equipped with a breathing apparatus that was connected to the filter. The user could breathe clean air through the apparatus, even in the presence of toxic gases. The gas mask was an important innovation that helped to protect workers in hazardous environments and was widely adopted by industrial and military organizations around the world.

Aside from his inventions, Garret Morgan was also an active member of his community and was particularly involved in the African American community. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans. He was also a Prince Hall Mason.

Morgan's affiliation with Freemasonry was an important part of his life and helped to shape his views on community and service. Masons believe in the importance of education, self-improvement, and helping others, and these values are evident in the life and work of Garret Morgan. He was known for his philanthropy and his dedication to helping those in need, and his work as a Mason was an extension of these values.

In conclusion, Garret Augustus Morgan was a visionary inventor who made significant contributions to the world of technology and to society as a whole. His traffic light and gas mask changed the world in profound ways, and his commitment to his community and to helping others is a testament to his character and his values. Garret Morgan will always be remembered as a true innovator, a dedicated community leader, and a true pioneer in the field of technology.