Who invented the WigWag?

Question

Who invented the WigWag (old railroad Crossing the swings back and forth) and how did it look like and why are people removing them and putting regular rail road crossing siganl (10 points for best answer)

Answer 1

native americans, was a small hut or shed(i think)

Answer 2

I'm not sure of the "who," exactly, but I believe it may have been the Union Switch and Signal Company, a Pennsylvania based manufacturer, there at least until 1943.  I don't know from where they operate these days, but that's a good bet.

Answer 3

Albert Hunt of Pacific Electric invented the Wigwag in 1909.  It was a pendulum that hung over the crossing or to the side based on model and would swing to warn of oncoming trains.  They were removed because of the FRA requiring the crossbucks and red lights that we see today.

Answer 4

I don't know who invented it. But just recently I heard where there are only 5 left in place that are still functional in the U.S.