Savannah Airport: The Runway with Gravestones
In the US state of Georgia, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) stands out for a unique reason: one of its runways contains gravestones. This unusual feature attracts curious travelers and highlights the airport's rich history.
Savannah originally had two airports due to increased military traffic during World War II. The new facility, Chatham Field, later renamed Travis Field, was established in 1942. Over time, it evolved to meet growing demands, resulting in a new control tower and passenger terminal by 1960.
Despite several renovations and name changes, including becoming Savannah International Airport in 1983 and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in 2003, the airport has retained elements of its past. Notably, the gravestones of Richard and Catherine Dotson, who were buried on the land in the 19th century, remain on the main runway due to the family's wishes during a wartime expansion project.
Federal law generally prohibits the relocation of graves without family consent. The Dotson grandchildren refused to move their grandparents' graves, leading to their permanent place on the runway. These gravestones are believed to be the only marked graves on a US runway.
The presence of these gravestones has elicited various reactions from travelers. SCAD student Abby Sloan found them "a little shocking," while Bonaventure Cemetery storyist Shannon Scott described them as symbolizing Savannah's character: "a city built on top of its own dead."
Today, Savannah/Hilton Head International is a busy airport, primarily serving domestic destinations. Airlines like American, Delta, and United operate numerous flights from this two-runway airport. Although it once offered international routes, such as a flight to Toronto by Air Canada, it now focuses on domestic traffic, with nearly 5 million seats scheduled for 2024.
The airport's unique feature continues to intrigue visitors and reflect Savannah's blend of history and modernity. As the airport grows, the gravestones on the runway stand as a reminder of its storied past.