The Interesting and Somewhat Strange History of Runways

Polo fields and dirt were the ingredients of the first runway, and even when you die, the runway still can run you over.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 01:18 PM ET

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Ford Field in Dearborn Michigan was home to the first concrete runway. [Courtesy: Paul Freeman]

Key Takeaways:

Runways evolved from simple dirt or grass fields after 1903, primarily driven by the U.S. Post Office for airmail routes, which established early standardized layouts like T, L, or square designs.
As airports developed, they often conflicted with surrounding urban growth, leading to issues like noise complaints and significant expansion efforts that sometimes required relocating communities and even historical cemeteries.
Runway construction progressed from natural surfaces to paved materials like concrete, while military needs during WWII introduced distinctive triangular layouts that were later repurposed for civilian use, and many historic airfields have since been lost or adapted for new purposes.

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Editor’s Note: This article is part of special series spotlighting runways: April 18: America’s Longest Runways | America’s Shortest Runways | April 19: 11 Fun Facts About Runways | April 20: Self-healing Concrete and How It Can Save Runways | April 21: FLYING Explained: How Do You Read Airport Markings and Signage | Runway History | April 22: Remembering Meigs Field

Ever since the Wright brothers first took flight in 1903, airplanes have needed a place to take off and land safely. Hence, the need for a runway was born, though it would take several years for the concept to fully take shape and even longer to take the form we’re used to today.