Celebrating the Powerful Legacy of Joseph R. Winters, a True Pioneer in Fire Safety
The Forgotten Genius who invented the Wagon-Mounted Fire Escape Ladder 
:
Joseph Richard Winters was an African-American abolitionist, inventor, and holder of two U.S. patents.
On May 7, 1878, Winters was awarded U.S. Patent number 203,517 for ‘A wagon-mounted fire escape ladder’.
On April 8, 1879, Winters received U.S. Patent number 214,224 for an improvement on the ladder.
On May 16, 1882, he received U.S. Patent number 258,186 for a fire escape ladder that could be affixed to buildings.
It has been erroneously cited that Winters was the original inventor of the wagon-mounted fire escape ladder; Winters’ version was patented 29 years after George Huttman and George Kornelio initially introduced the idea in 1849.
However, Winters’ version of the fire escape ladder replaced the all-wood ladder with a sturdily-built metal frame and parallel steps.
Winters’ innovation was first utilized by the Chambersburg, PA Fire Department, who mounted the ladder on a horse-drawn wagon.
Listen: https://onceuponatimeblackhistory.podbean.com/e/joseph-winters-climbing-the-ladder-of-innovation/
Summary:
If you’ve never heard of Joseph R. Winters, prepare to be inspired by one of history’s unsung Black innovators. Winters was a passionate inventor and abolitionist whose work in the 19th century actually changed how Americans think about safety. His patent for the modern fire escape ladder came at a time when fires were devastating communities, and his inventive mind helped save lives and sparked further innovation in emergency escape technology.
Winters wasn’t just focused on invention—he was deeply involved in helping others, actively supporting the Underground Railroad and fighting for abolition. His story reminds us that innovation often comes from people determined to help their communities, even when history doesn’t shine a spotlight on them. Today’s fire escapes owe a debt to Winters, and it’s time we celebrated his trailblazing legacy!
#BlackHistory #FireSafety #Inventors
