[9] Celina was founded in the 19th century and named after the daughter of local pioneer entrepreneur and educator, Moses Fisk.

[12] The city is situated in a relatively broad valley surrounded by rugged hills characteristic of the eastern Highland Rim.

Tennessee State Route 52 passes through the city, connecting it with Red Boiling Springs and Lafayette to the west and Livingston to the southeast.

Tennessee State Route 53, which intersects SR 52 in the southern part of Celina, runs southwestward down the Cumberland River to Gainesboro, and northeastward to the Kentucky border, where it continues as Kentucky Route 61 in the direction of Burkesville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2), all land.

[13] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.