Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds and to provide food and cover for resident wildlife. The refuge was named in honor of Sequoyah, a Cherokee Native American who developed an alphabet for the Cherokee language.

The refuge is located approximately 150 miles east of Oklahoma City, and 35 miles west of Fort Smith, Arkansas, off of Interstate 40. Take the Vian exit from I-40, follow county road 3 miles south.