Georgia has the only active runway in the world that has two graves on it, but for an interesting reason

It’s not often an airport runway doubles as a graveyard, but that is the case in Savannah, Georgia.

At Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, final destination meets frequent departures.

Marked by two granite slabs, early settlers Richard, Catherine and John Dotson—along with their relative Daniel Hueston—are buried directly beneath the flight path. 

To minimize damage (and, presumably, bad karma), the headstones are flush with the tarmac, ensuring planes land smoothly. 

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Originally the site of the Dotson family plot, the then-government claimed the land in the 1940s to expand military operations.

The airport runway was proposed later, as operations grew.

Most of the 100-or-so graves were relocated to Bonaventure Cemetery.

The Dotsons? They stayed put. Destined to partake in the ultimate long-haul rest.

It’s probably not what they imagined when choosing a peaceful burial site but, on the bright side, they’ve got the best runway view in Georgia (and the world), permanently. 

The plaques are visible from the tarmac and even from the sky, sparking both curiosity and just the right amount of airport ghost lore.

There’s no confirmed paranormal activity, but pilots have shared spooky stories about eerie late-night landings into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Hauntings aside, this is a rare intersection of history and modern aviation — a ghostly footnote carved right into the infrastructure and a solemn reminder that sometimes even a 9,000-foot runway has to make room for the past.

So if your next flight into Savannah feels a little bumpy, just remember: it’s probably not turbulence.

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