Gates was formed in 1779 from Chowan, Hertford, and Perquimans counties. Named in honor of General Horatio Gates, commander of the American Army at the Battle of Saratoga, it lies in the northeastern part of North Carolina, bounded by Camden, Chowan, Hertford, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties, and by the state of Virginia. Located in northeastern North Carolina just south of Suffolk, Virginia, the Nottoway, Meherrin, and Nansemond Indians found this area an ideal place, furnishing them with all the natural resources needed for a good life.

On the east side is the Great Dismal Swamp, one of the largest nature preserves in the country, where bear, deer, turkey, and all kinds of game and fowl flourish. On the west side the Chowan River, proclaimed the world's most beautiful river, Bennetts Creek provides water sport enthusiasts a paradise in which to play. Along these swamps, pocosins, and creeks, the rich farm land is capable of producing large crops of peanuts, corn, soybeans, and cotton.