At first glance, the international airport Savannah/Hilton Head appears to be another busy travel center, while the aircraft are coming and leaving and the usual humming of airport activities.
Under the smooth surface of track 10, however, lies a chilled piece of history – two graves that have long survived the ground on which they rest. For passengers rising above, it is easy to skip the frightening presence under their feet,
but the graves of Richard and Catherine Dotson, the 18th-century agricultural couple, are forever rooted into the airport track, telling the story of the country, heritage, and narration and inheritance and spectral party Savannah, which Many may never know.
The international airport Savannah/Hilton Head may seem ordinary at first glance but under its track 10 – two graves. It is located in Georgia, the US,andd the airport was built in a country that once belonged to Catherine and Richard Dotson, an agricultural couple who were buried in the country itself, which now serves as an airport. Today, their names are remembered on asphalt, and travelers can never forget their heritage.
Who was the Dotson family?
The Dotson were early pioneers in the field of agriculture and land ownership. Richard and Catherine were born in 1779 and were husbands for 50 years. Their farm, known as Cherokee Hills, was an important part of their lives until Catherine died in 1877, and Richard followed seven years later. The couple was buried in a family cemetery, which included over 100 graves, some belonging to slaves and workers who were part of their estate, as historian Shannon Scott noted.
Transformation of the farm into an airport
In 1942, the city of Savannah and the Federal government negotiated with Dotson’s family to rent the land for military use, especially in preparation for World War II. The place was transformed into an airport to suit the US Air Corps, including B-24 bombers “Liberators” and B-17 “Flying Fortress”. This was part of a greater effort to expand Chatham Field for military operations.
The relocation of graves
In order to clean the way for the construction of the airport, most graves were moved to the Bonaventure cemetery. Graves Richard and Catherine, however, remained intact and remained near the busiest part of the track. According to airport officials, these graves are only worldwide in the active area of the runway, measuring 9,350 feet, and support thousands of air operations every year.
Remaining graves
While most of Dotson’s family graves were moved, two others stayed behind: those from John Dotson and Daniel Hueston. The family refused to allow relocation and instead decided to leave these graves, where Richard and Catherine spent most of their lives. These two graves are now set in shrubs near the track and quietly indicate their place in history.
The historical connection of the airport
Given the legal restrictions on the transfer of graves without the consent of the family, the construction of the airport continued and two flat tombstones were placed that marked their location. Shannon Scott, a local historian, finds that it is useful to be Graves under the years, and calls it a “quietening savannah” to build the deceased on the ground.
The airport spokesman mentioned that Dotsons had become “members of the airport family” over the years. Many pilots and crews are aware of the graves and spirits that are said to accompany them. Reports of scary observations were even associated with landing aircraft on track 10.
Scary city
Savannah is known for its scary past and the ranking next to cities like Salem and New Orleans as one of the most persecuted America. Dotson graves are just one part of this scary heritage. The city is full of stories of soldiers who died during the siege of Savannah, victims of the epidemic of yellow fever from 1820, and the ghosts of slaves who seek revenge. Numerous ghost stories tell these tragic events and scary tours throughout the city have become a popular attraction for those who want to experience Savannah’s Eeri Charm firsthand. For some, the scary begins when their plane touches asphalt.
The story of Dotson Graves at the international airport Savannah/Hilton Head is a scary reminder of how history is often buried under the surface, literally and figuratively. Graves of Richard and Catherine Dotson, along with their relatives, remain a unique and frightening part of the landscape of the airport and strengthen their place in the rich and scary history of the city. Savannah, known for its paranormal legends, continues to attract visitors who want to experience its scary past firsthand For some airports themselves, it serves as a gate not only for traveling but for ghosts that persist in this turbulent city forever intertwined by its history.
