Red Light! Green Light! STOP! Do you know who invented the traffic signal? Let's find out!

Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-1963), was born in Paris, Kentucky on March 4, 1877 to Elizabeth and Sydney Morgan. He spent much of his childhood working odd jobs for a wealthy landowner in Cincinnati. Although his formal education ended in elementary school, he hired a tutor and continued his studies in English grammar. in 1895, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a sewing machine operator. He loved to tinker and worked hard to create better ways of doing his job.

In 1912, he helped to make the world a safer place by inventing the safety helmet and gas mask. He received a patent for it in 1914. Soldiers used the gas mask during World War I.

In 1923, he invented a traffic signal used in city areas to control traffic. He received another patent. Years later, he sold his invention to General Electric for $40,000.00. The traffic signals we use today are based on Garrett Morgan's invention. Also, he invented the first hair straightener.