Yesterday, I posted a 1924 photo of an experimental traffic signal being installed at the intersection of Adams Blvd and Figueroa St south of downtown LA. This photo, also from 1924, shows that same intersection and why a traffic signal was necessary. I pity those poor motorists who had to negotiate that intersection without the aid of any traffic lights—just a wing and a prayer. On the left, we can see the Automobile Club Building, and on the right the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic church under construction.

Alonzo R. says: “I appreciate you posting this photo of the intersection. And I’m sure you did it to bring attention to the fact that the traffic signal was one of the greatest inventions of the day, and what it’s primary function is re possibly saving lives and minimizing damage to property. But, in your presentation you made no mention of who the person was who invented the traffic signal. It’s been modified from its early inception, and sadly, the inventor, an African American man’s estate, and his family decendants receive no royalties for such an invention. That man’s name was Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. He died in 1966. That’s really not that long ago. Fortunately, he got to see his invention in action. You see, the reason I’m mentioning this is bc, this is how African Americans contributions to American society are overlooked, or totally ignored and go uncredited. We gotta do better. It’s possible. Just a simple mention giving credit where credit is due.”

This is how that view looked in May 2024. Fortunately for modern-day Angelinos, there are now plenty of traffic lights.