McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP is proud to celebrate Black History Month in recognition of it as an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans in spotlighting their critical role in U.S. history. In this regard, we are highlighting noteworthy African American inventors whose creations changed the world.
Granville T. Woods secured nearly 60 patents during his lifetime, many of which related to improving the functioning of railroads. Among his most noteworthy inventions include the first electricity powered railway and, separately, an induction telegraph system which enabled moving trains to communicate with one another while also enabling dispatchers to locate the trains.