The refuge contains the Santee Native American mound, which is the farthest eastern known representation of the Mississippian culture.

Later built upon this same mound was the Revolutionary British Fort Watson, which was taken by Marion's Brigade in April 1781.

The refuge was formerly much larger, but was reduced greatly in size in 1976 when the Lake Moultrie section in Berkeley County was discontinued due to lease termination.

Within the refuge, which consists of mixed hardwoods and pines, marsh, old croplands, impoundments and open water, is a large diversity of wildlife, including bald eagles, and even the peregrine falcon.

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