Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is known for its flights and bustling tarmac, but there’s one unusual feature that makes it stand out from all other airports—two grave markers embedded right in the middle of runway 10. These graves belong to Catherine and Richard Dotson, who were buried here long before the airport ever existed. Their presence on the runway is a lasting tribute to their legacy and a fascinating piece of Georgia’s history.
Who Were Richard and Catherine Dotson?
Credit: Savannah Now
The story of the graves on Savannah Airport’s runway dates back to the 18th century. Richard and Catherine Dotson were born in 1779 and became influential pioneers in the area, dedicating their lives to farming and cultivating the land, which was then known as Cherokee Hills. The couple was married for 50 years, and during that time, they built a life on their farm, eventually choosing it as their final resting place.
Catherine Dotson passed away in 1877, followed by Richard in 1884. They were buried in a family cemetery on their farm, where over 100 other graves lay, including those of family members, slaves, and farm workers. This was a typical practice of the time, as families often had their own burial grounds on their land.
How the Dotson Land Became Savannah Airport
In 1942, with the onset of World War II, the City of Savannah and the U.S. federal government sought to expand the area for military use. The airport was selected as a strategic location, ideal for supporting the U.S. War Department’s operations, which included serving as a training base for Army Air Corps’ heavy bombers, such as the B-24 “Liberator” and B-17 “Flying Fortress.”
As the land’s purpose shifted from farm to airfield, the Dotson descendants negotiated with officials to allow for the expansion while still respecting the family’s heritage. In the end, almost all the graves were moved to Bonaventure Cemetery to clear the way for the airport’s construction, but four graves remained. Among these were the graves of Richard and Catherine Dotson, which were left intact at the request of their descendants.
The Decision to Keep the Graves on the Runway
The family’s wish to keep Richard and Catherine on their land led to a unique situation. Since it was illegal to move graves without the family’s consent, the airport was designed around their graves, with two flat grave markers embedded into the concrete runway. Their final resting place now lies beneath one of the busiest runways, serving as a daily reminder of the land’s history to thousands of travelers and airport personnel.
Credit: Atlas Obscura
Today, Richard and Catherine Dotson’s graves are the only known graves embedded within an active runway worldwide. The markers, which bear their names, allow their memory to live on as planes land and take off above them. It’s a respectful nod to Savannah’s deep-rooted history and the Dotson family’s connection to the land.
Other Graves That Remained on the Airport Grounds
In addition to Richard and Catherine, two other graves were kept near the airport’s active runway: those of John Dotson and Daniel Hueston, believed to be relatives of the Dotsons. These graves are located in a small shrub area not far from the main runway, quietly preserved as part of the airport’s landscape. The family’s request to keep these graves intact reflects their wish to honor their ancestors and maintain a connection to the land they once worked.
Savannah’s Unique Heritage and the Airport’s “Family” Graves
Savannah is known for its rich, and sometimes eerie, history, and Shannon Scott, a Bonaventure Cemetery historian, sees the graves as an essential part of Savannah’s unique character. “Savannah is a city built on top of its own dead,” he has said, referring to the city’s many burial grounds and haunted sites. In a way, the Dotson graves at the airport capture this spirit, symbolizing Savannah’s intertwining of history with modernity.
Source: Shutterstock
For airport staff and pilots, the Dotson graves have become an iconic feature, often referred to as members of the “airport family.” Many workers, pilots, and flight crews are familiar with the story, and some have even shared ghostly tales and eerie sightings linked to the runway, adding a sense of mystery to the airport’s day-to-day operations.
Savannah: One of America’s Most Haunted Cities
Savannah’s reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America adds to the intrigue surrounding the Dotson graves. The city’s past includes harrowing stories from the Civil War, the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1820, deadly fires, and countless tales of unsettled spirits. Many believe that the spirits of enslaved individuals, soldiers, and others who met tragic ends in Savannah continue to haunt the city’s historical sites, including Bonaventure Cemetery, where many Dotson family members were relocated.
From haunted mansions to eerie cemeteries, Savannah draws countless visitors each year seeking a glimpse into the supernatural. The Dotson graves are only one part of this tapestry of spooky lore, with some travelers reporting feeling an eerie presence as soon as their planes land on the runway, perhaps sensing the souls who once called this land their home.
Credit: Savannah Hilton Head International Airport
The Enduring Legacy of the Dotson Family Graves
The graves on runway 10 at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport are more than historical curiosities; they serve as a tangible connection to Savannah’s past, reminding us of the people who shaped this land long before it became an airport. As planes roar overhead, Richard and Catherine Dotson rest peacefully, their names etched into the tarmac as a lasting legacy.
The Dotsons’ story embodies the spirit of Savannah—honoring the past while embracing the present. These graves remind us that, sometimes, preserving history means finding a way to coexist with it. For travelers passing through the airport, the story of the Dotson graves offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and a unique piece of Savannah’s heritage that will live on for generations to come.
