First+Traffic+Light

by Sharlene, Grade 5



Garrett Morgan was the man who introduced the traffic light to the public in the early 1900’s. After it was invented people saw the difference on the road because there weren’t as many car crashes. If there weren’t any traffic lights, there would be a lot more car crashes everyday, and people’s lives would be in jeopardy. So thanks to Garrett Morgan, we have traffic lights.

Garrett Morgan was the child of a former slave. During his childhood he attended school and worked on the family farm with his brothers and sisters. As a teenager he moved from Kentucky and went to Cincinnati in search of opportunity. In 1907 he opened his own sewing equipment and repair shop. The new company made all kinds of things.

The first American traffic light was introduced to the U.S. shortly after the century changed. The Ford Company was founded in 1903, and it had success. People bought more cars, and the traffic light gave them protection. Garrett succeeded in what he wanted to do.