Granville T. Woods 🚆⚡, a self-educated African-American inventor

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 This MetroCard honors Granville T. Woods 🚆⚡, a self-educated African-American inventor who revolutionized subway travel in New York City.

🔥 His Impact on Transit

🔬 Patented the third-rail system ⚡, which conducts electric power to railway cars, making subways possible!
🛠️ Held over 50 patents, mainly improving railway and telecommunication systems.
🏆 Sometimes called the "Black Edison", but his inventions stood on their own.

His contributions powered progress 🚆⚡ and helped shape modern urban transportation! 🚋

Who Was Granville T. Woods?

🔹 Born: April 23, 1856, in Columbus, Ohio
🔹 Died: January 30, 1910
🔹 Occupation: Inventor & Engineer
🔹 Education: Largely self-taught, but studied electrical and mechanical engineering

He had a passion for innovation, especially in railway and telegraph systems, which were essential for communication and travel in the late 19th century.

His Game-Changing Inventions 🚆⚡

Woods held over 50 patents, many of which improved transportation and communication. Some of his most notable inventions include:

🔌 The Third-Rail System (1887) – This invention allowed subways and trains to run using electricity instead of steam or coal. It’s still used in modern subway systems today! 🚇

📡 The Induction Telegraph System (1885) – This allowed trains to communicate wirelessly, preventing collisions and improving safety. 🚆📡

🚋 The Electric Railway (1892) – A system that helped create streetcars powered by overhead wires, making urban transportation more efficient.

📞 Telephone Transmitter Improvements – His advancements were so important that Alexander Graham Bell's company bought his patent! ☎️

Facing Racism & Fighting for His Patents

Being a Black inventor in the late 1800s wasn’t easy. Woods often had to fight in court to keep credit for his inventions. Famous inventors like Thomas Edison even tried to claim some of his work! But Woods stood his ground, proving his brilliance time and time again.

His Legacy Lives On 🔥

Despite his struggles, Woods’ impact is undeniable:
🚆 The New York City Subway still uses his third-rail system!
🏙️ Cities worldwide rely on his electric railway innovations.
🏅 Schools, parks, and transit centers have been named in his honor.
🖤 He paved the way for future Black engineers and inventors.

Granville T. Woods was a true innovator who helped shape modern transportation. His brilliance and perseverancedeserve to be celebrated! ✊🏾🔥

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