#stemlegacy

The Signals That Kept Us Moving

Granville T. Woods understood something fundamental: progress depends on communication.

At a time when trains moved faster than messages, Woods developed railway communication and telegraph systems that allowed stations and moving trains to stay connected. That connection meant fewer collisions, safer travel, and a transportation network that people could trust.

His work didn’t seek attention. It sought reliability.

Much of what keeps the modern world functioning operates quietly in the background—signals, systems, infrastructure we rarely stop to notice. Woods helped build those systems, and in doing so, shaped how people and ideas move through the world.

History often remembers the destination. This is a reminder to honor the signals that made the journey possible.