Tate County was formed April 15, 1873 out of DeSoto, Marshall, and Tunica Counties and was named for Thomas Simpson "T.S." Tate (1816-1880), a prominent Republican, citizen, and first Mississippi State Legislator from the county. T.S. founded Tatesville, which no longer exists. The county seat was placed at Senatobia soon after the county's formation. The city took its name, with a slight derivation in spelling, from nearby Senatahoba (senatahoba or sin-ih-toh-bih-a) Creek, which means "White Sycamore" or "Black Snake".

Located in the northwestern corner of the state, Tate County is bordered on the north by DeSoto County, the east by Marshall County, the south by Lafayette and Panola Counties, and the west by Tunica County.

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