According to the Ohio History Central Organization, Granville Tailer Woods was born on April 23, 1856, right here in Columbus, Ohio. Woods was an African-American inventor who gained experience as an apprentice machinist. Woods proceeded with his education by attending night school. Woods held several positions working on railroads, at steel mills, and on steamships. Within only two years, he became chief engineer on the British steamship Ironside. 

Throughout his career, woods faced discrimination for his race. Frustrated with this, Woods opened up his own mechanic shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. Wood’s shop eventually evolved into the Woods electrical company. Woods created several significant inventions, including the first electric railway that was powered above the train, the first telegraph service that could be sent to moving trains, and woods invented many improvements to air brakes used on locomotives. Woods had held over 60 patents throughout his life.