The Runway Graves of Savannah: A Unique Piece of Aviation History

At Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport, travelers speeding down runway 10 may not realize they’re passing over one of the most unusual landmarks in U.S. aviation. Beneath the asphalt lie two graves belonging to Catherine and Richard Dotson, farmers whose land was transformed into an airport during World War II.

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The Dotson Legacy

Richard and Catherine Dotson were married for over 50 years and lived their lives working the land in an area once known as Cherokee Hills. Like many families in rural Georgia in the 1800s, they built their farm, raised their children, and eventually established a family cemetery on their property. When they passed away — Catherine in 1877 and Richard in 1884 — they were laid to rest on the land they had called home.

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From Farmland to Runway

Decades later, in 1942, the U.S. government leased the property for military use during World War II, setting the stage for the airport that exists today. Most of the family graves were moved to nearby cemeteries. However, the Dotsons’ descendants insisted that Richard and Catherine remain in their original resting place. Their wishes were honored, even as the land was paved over for a runway.

In addition to Richard and Catherine, two other graves — those of John Dotson and Daniel Hueston — were also left undisturbed on airport grounds, though they are not under the main runway itself.

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Headstones Beneath the Asphalt

Airport officials chose a unique solution: the graves were not removed but instead integrated into the runway itself. Today, granite headstones are embedded into the tarmac, clearly marking the couple’s final resting place. Pilots and ground crews often note the odd but respectful memorial in the middle of such a high-traffic location.

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A Haunting Piece of Savannah’s Character

Savannah is often described as one of the most haunted cities in America, filled with ghost stories and tales of restless spirits. The Dotsons’ unusual graves add another layer to that history. For visitors, the idea of a runway doubling as a cemetery creates a mix of fascination and eerie curiosity — a reminder that even as the city grows and modernizes, the past is never far beneath the surface.

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A Blend of History and Mystery

To this day, the Dotsons remain part of Savannah’s living story. For some, their graves symbolize respect for tradition and family wishes. For others, they embody Savannah’s mystique, blending history, folklore, and the supernatural in a way only this city can.

Next time you land at Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport, remember: the ground beneath your plane carries not just wheels, but also the memory of two people who lived and died there long before jets filled the skies.