This Day in History: Garrett Morgan Patents the Three-Position Traffic Signal

Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr., an innovative American inventor, made a significant impact on road safety in the early 20th century. The catalyst for his invention occurred in 1922 when Morgan witnessed a serious accident involving a horse-drawn carriage and an automobile. Motivated to enhance traffic safety, he created a manually operated traffic signal that featured moving arms displaying "stop" and "go" signs. This invention represented a crucial development in traffic management, providing a method to improve the orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections.

In addition to the standard "stop" and "go" signals, Morgan's design included a third position that allowed for cautionary signals, indicating that drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. This innovative feature aimed to better inform drivers and reduce potentially dangerous situations on the roads. His traffic signal innovation was patented in 1923 and subsequently sold to General Electric for $40,000, illustrating its commercial and functional significance in urban environments.

For collectors and enthusiasts of historical stamps, the story of Garrett Morgan and his three-position traffic signal presents a fascinating intersection of innovation and culture in the United States. Stamps commemorating important inventions and inventors often provide insights into societal advancements. As such, Morgan's contributions are not only vital in the context of traffic safety but also as a hallmark of American ingenuity that collectors might find worthy of inclusion in their collections.

Source: Garrett Morgan