Topography
Approximately, 25,000 years ago the Mississippi River ran between the Ozark Mountains and Crowley's Ridge. Then, approximately 18,000 years ago, the river shifted, slicing its way through Crowley's Ridge to join the Ohio River further north. The abandoned river bed developed into a rich and fertile swamp.
The Refuge lies in a basin formed in an ancient abandoned channel of the Mississippi River, bordered on the west by the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, and on the east by a terrace called Crowley’s Ridge.
The refuge contains the only remaining large tract of bottomland forest of 15,000 acres (61 km2) from the original 2.5 million acres (10,000 km2) native to the bootheel of Missouri. There are seven natural areas and 99 archaeological sites.
Approximately 8000 acres (32 km2) of land are contained in the Mingo Wilderness. Additionally, the 6,190 acre (25 km2) Missouri Department of Conservation, Duck Creek Conservation Area, joins the refuge on the north and east boundary.
Read more about this topic: Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
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