Revolutionizing Fire Safety: A Woman's Legacy

I created one of the first outdoor fire escapes in 1877. It was a metal platform

with ladders that provided a means of escape in the event that flames blocked the stairs.

I became one of the first women in America to file for a patent on it.

My creation changed building safety for generations and saved lives. I did it because

I thought every life should have a way out, not because I wanted to be famous.

My invention became a foundational element in urban safety. As cities grew and building codes evolved,

external fire escapes based on my design became mandatory in many places.I didn’t receive public

acclaim, I worked quietly and saved lives for decades.