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, with the U.S. Post Office being a primary driver for early construction and basic designs to accommodate various wind directions.
As aviation progressed, runway materials transitioned to concrete, but the initial practice of building on flat, available land led to ongoing conflicts with surrounding communities as areas developed.
Airport expansion often involved significant land acquisition, sometimes controversially relocating cemeteries, and many current airports retain a distinctive triangular layout, a legacy of rapid construction for military use during WWII before being repurposed for civilian aviation.

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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.