Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia holds an extraordinary historical oddity: two graves embedded in one of its busiest runways. These belong to Richard and Catherine Dotson, who were interred on their family farm in the 19th century. The land, once known as Cherokee Hills, was part of the Dotson family’s farming property.
Richard and Catherine were buried in the family cemetery alongside around 100 others, including enslaved individuals who worked the land. This cemetery remained undisturbed for decades until World War II. In 1942, the U.S. government acquired the land to expand Chatham Field into a vital airfield for military training. Most of the graves were relocated to Bonaventure Cemetery, but Richard and Catherine’s descendants insisted their ancestors remain on their original land.
As a compromise, the graves were integrated into the runway when it was paved. Two markers embedded in the tarmac now symbolize their final resting place. Interestingly, two other family members, Daniel Hueston and John Dotson, are also buried near the runway but in less visible locations nearby
This airport feature serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between history and progress. It is believed to be the only active runway in the world with graves as part of its infrastructure
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