For most of us birthdays are special. Children look forward to the parties and gifts. Adults may enjoy a party and a few gifts, but most would rather not count the years.
A very important birthday will be observed on April 15, 2023. The Board of Supervisors included in its (July 2, 1973), “Tate County is in its Centennial year and was officially 100 years old April 15, 1973”, and fifty years later we are celebrating another birthday.
This means that Tate County turns 150 years old this year. Most people don’t know that fact or if it was part of something taught to them, they have forgotten.
Tate County has grown since the first Federal Census in 1880.
1880 17,721
1890 18,720
1900 19,253
1910 20,618
1920 20,714
1930 20,796
1940 21,309
1950 21,671
1960 22,011
1970 22,072
1980 20,119
1990 21,432
2000 25,370
2010 28,886
2020 28,064
Because of the difficulty for those living in the then southern part of DeSoto County to cross the Coldwater River to do business in Hernando and other considerations, it was decided to create a new county by taking portions of DeSoto, Marshall and Tunica Counties. Its formation began on December 23, 1873 and made official in April. It was named for the Hon. T. S. Tate. Its land surface is approximately 400 square miles. Senatobia was selected as the county seat. While farming was primarily the occupation of most of its citizens at its formation, it can now boast a wide diversity of occupations.
The history of Tate County has fluctuated just as its population. As we celebrate the birthday of Tate County, TCGHS continues to document its history and make it available to those who want to learn about the ancestors who have been a part of its history since its formation. We have census records, local newspapers, marriage records and other data on microfilm. Our shelves are filled with almost 300 books on data about marriages, schools, churches, military, deaths and other documented data on Tate County. We also have records for other Mississippi counties. Our librarians will be happy to assist you in your search. There is no charge to use the library resources.
We invite you to visit the library located in the Crockett Building, 107 Court Street (second floor), to investigate. We are open on THURSDAY and FRIDAY (except prior to a holiday) from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (please call if you’ll arrive after 3 p.m.). Be sure to check us out on Facebook. Maybe you can help identify one of the unnamed persons in pictures that are posted. You may contact us at tatehistory@hotmail.com or call 662-562-0390 and leave a message on voice mail with brief details of your request and we will answer.
