The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport may seem ordinary, but it holds a unique secret – the graves of Catherine and Richard Dotson beneath runway 10. The airport was built on their former farm, where they were laid to rest and now remembered by engraved names on the tarmac.
Who was the Dotson Family?
Richard and Catherine Dotson were farming pioneers and landowners born in 1779. They were married for 50 years and buried on their land. The family cemetery also holds graves of slaves and workers, showcasing their history.
Turning the Farm into Savannah Airport
In 1942, the airport was expanded for the U.S. War Department, leading to negotiations with Dotson descendants. The military needed a base for B-24 “Liberators” and B-17 “Flying Fortresses” during World War II.
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Transferring over 100 Graves
Most graves were relocated, but Richard and Catherine were left by the active runway. Their gravestones are now part of the airport’s history and a unique feature to the thousands of flights that pass by.
Two More Graves
John Dotson and Daniel Hueston’s graves remain near the runway. Their descendants insisted these graves stay, honoring the family’s legacy.
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Members of the Savannah Airport Family
Although their graves were covered during construction, Richard and Catherine Dotson have become part of the airport’s family. Pilots and crew acknowledge their presence and share stories of the ghostly tales surrounding their legacy.
One of America’s Most Haunted Cities
Savannah is known for its haunting history, with numerous supernatural sites, including the Dotsons’ graves. The city’s past, from wartime casualties to epidemics, adds to the eerie atmosphere, drawing tourists seeking paranormal experiences.
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Sources
- “Dotson Family Cemetery.” Savannah Hilton Head International Airport.
- “Dotson Runway Graves.” Atlas Obscura. November 6, 2014
- “That’s So Savannah: What’s up with the runway graves at the Savannah/Hilton Head airport?” Savannah Now. Christopher Berinato. April 28, 2021
- “Why is Savannah one of America’s Most Haunted Cities?” Savannah.
- “Graves Cemented In Savannah Airport Runway Honor Farmers’ History.” Patch. Amanda Lumpkin. March 14, 2024
