The refuge protects a very unique habitat found within the Arkansas River flood plain that includes bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, home to many species of migratory birds and other resident wildlife, like white-tailed deer, bobcat, beaver and the American bald eagle. It is here to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, as well as food and cover for resident wildlife. Within the refuge, ancient campsites dating as far back as 1100 AD serve as reminders of the Native Americans that traveled through or lived in this area and depended on the Arkansas River. Before the arrival of European settlers, Caddoan and other cultures depended on this landscape for centuries. During America’s Civil War, the Arkansas River would serve as a historic boundary between Union and Confederate forces that found themselves stationed on opposing sides of the river. Today, the 20,800-acre Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and the wildlife and habitat it protects are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the only national network of lands and waters managed for the benefit of wildlife.