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 originated from simple dirt, grass, or clay fields, primarily for airmail, with the first concrete runway appearing in the U.S. in 1928.
Early airports were often located on town edges, leading to modern conflicts with surrounding communities over noise, pollution, and safety as areas developed.
Airport expansion frequently necessitated challenging land acquisition, sometimes involving creating new land or the controversial relocation of homes, businesses, and even graveyards.
Many historic runways, including those built for military purposes during WWII (often with distinctive triangular layouts), have been repurposed or have vanished entirely due to urban development.

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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.