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  • Photo: Savannah airport

01.11.2021

Artikel Nummer: 34563

Landing and departing on graves


A story written for All Saints' Day: Savannah/Hilton Head airport (SAV) is the only airport in the world with graves embedded in an active 2,850 m runway serving thousands of general and commercial operations annually.

 

In 1942, expanding military operations made it necessary for the US war department to declare a need for additional facilities. A lease was negotiated between the federal government and the city of Savannah for 4,500,000 sqm, at what is now SAV.

 

Part of this acquisition included a private cemetery of the Dotson family established in 1857. Their great grandchildren negotiated with the federal government and all but four of their ancestors were relocated to a cemetery.

 

The families wished for the graves to remain in place when westward extension of this runway was required during World War II. (ah)

www.savannahairport.com

 

 

 

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