Buried beneath the active runway 10 of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport are the remains of Richard and Catherine Dotson – the spirits of the people whose efforts paved the way for today’s development. The name of their former farmland was Cherokee Hills, but due to sogns of change which transformed the area from agricultural farmland to military aviations and finally developing into present airport.
Richard Dotson married his wife Catherine and together for 50 years, they got involved in cultivating the land they loved. They were good standing members of the community and were hardworking and very much family oriented. He died in the 1870s and she died a decade later and were buried on their own farming ground in a family burial ground.
The Dotson’s property was first acquired for military purposes during the Second World War, in 1942, which set the base for the transformation of this region. The graves of the other people buried there were moved with the rest of the bodies during the acquisition of the land but the decedents of Richard and Catherine made sure that their grave was not moved.
Notably, apart from the gravestones of the Dotsons, two other graves, of John Dotson and Daniel Hueston also are still located at this airport with similar family’s wishes being followed. The decision, therefore, is an indication of the respect for family tradition and most importantly the respect for the deceased.
Properly understanding the importance of this grave, the leaders of the Savannah airport decided to restore the final resting places of Richard and Catherine by installing the headstones on the graves of the famous couple that would still be seen by thousands of passengers. But even more than that, it pays tribute to their accomplishments and gives a new story within the functional environment at the airport.
That is why Savannah with its history of ghosts happily took the Dotsons to their heart and included them into the list of local ghosts. Their story makes it a more alluring place to visit for those who build up in their minds the idea of getting a glimpse of the past. This particular story is taken to the extreme as many locals and travelers like to make stories of the ‘airport ghosts’ with the supernatural mystique of the city already well alive and kicking.
While many travelers step on the runway now occupying the location where the Dotson graves are, little of this history is probably experienced. Such loving story of Richard and Catherine Dotson is a recollection of how historical McMinnville was a symbol of a fertile soil and strong family ties in spite of the evolving sounds and bustle of the contemporary flight. Therefore, the graves of Richard and Catherine Dotson are perfect realizations of an important piece of the history of Savannah.
Leave a Reply