Garrett T. Morgan was an African American inventor, businessman, and community leader best known for his invention of the safety hood, an early form of the gas mask. He patented this life-saving device in 1914. The safety hood was designed to protect users from smoke, gases, and other harmful airborne substances, making it especially useful for firefighters and rescue workers.
Morgan’s gas mask gained widespread recognition in 1916 when he used it to rescue workers trapped in a toxic underground tunnel after an explosion beneath Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite his heroic actions, Morgan faced racial discrimination, which initially limited public acknowledgment of his contributions.
In addition to the gas mask, Morgan is also credited with inventing an early version of the three-position traffic signal, which greatly improved road safety.
