[1] The refuge was established in 1984; much of its land was previously part of Fort John Custis (later Cape Charles Air Force Station), a base used by the United States Army 1941–1948 and the United States Air Force from 1948 until 1981.

A 16"/50 caliber Mark 7 gun and a projectile from an Iowa-class battleship have been placed at Battery Winslow, formerly part of Fort John Custis.

The refuge is an important staging area for migratory birds, and is used as well for the management and study of endangered species such as the northeastern beach tiger beetle and piping plover.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

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