Year: 1890

Who: Daniel McCree

Where: Chicago, Illinois

In 1890, Daniel McCree, an African American inventor from Chicago, Illinois, addressed a critical safety concern of his time by patenting a portable fire escape ladder. His design featured a wooden, wheeled apparatus with a carriage that could be raised or lowered, allowing it to be moved to different interior parts of a building. This innovation provided a practical solution for individuals to safely evacuate buildings during fires, particularly in an era when urban fires posed significant threats to life and property.

McCree's invention was not just a technical achievement; it was a response to the pressing need for improved fire safety measures in rapidly growing 19th-century cities. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated large portions of the city, underscored the importance of such innovations. By creating a portable fire escape that could be easily stored and deployed within homes and businesses, McCree contributed to a broader movement toward enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness.

Today, Daniel McCree's legacy lives on through the continued emphasis on fire safety and the development of emergency evacuation devices. His work exemplifies the ingenuity and resilience of African American inventors who, despite facing societal challenges, made significant contributions to public welfare. McCree's story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the impact that innovative thinking can have on improving everyday life and safety.

Sources:

Websites:

• BlackUSA. (2022, July 23). Daniel McCree. BlackUSA. https://blackusa.com/daniel-mccree/                                                       

• Morris, S. (2022, May 13). Daniel McCree (1800?- ?). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/daniel-mccree-1800/