It was created as a riding by the British North America Act, 1867.
In 1892, it was defined as consisting of the parishes of St. Thomas de Foucault, St. George de Clarenceville (including the village of Clarenceville), St. Armand East (including the village of Frelighsburg), St. Armand West (including the village of Philipsburg), and St. Ignace de Stanbridge; the township of Stanbridge; the town of Bedford; the municipality of Stanbridge Station; the township of Dunham (including the villages of Dunham, Cowansville and Sweetsburg); the west part of the township of Farnham; the town of Farnham; the parish of Lacolle, together with the islands situated in the river Richelieu opposite the parish of Lacolle.
In 1903, the parish of Lacolle, together with the islands situated in the river Richelieu opposite thereto, were transferred to the electoral district of St. Johns—Iberville.
The parishes of Notre Dame de Stanbridge and Notre Dame des Anges de Stanbridge were transferred from St. Johns and Iberville to Missisquoi.
The histories of two later Missiquoi ridings are covered in the Brome—Missisquoi article: This riding elected the following members of Parliament: By-election: On Mr. Chamberlin's resignation to become Queen's Printer, 7 June 1870 By-election: On Mr. Clayes' death, 3 March 1888