Various theories exist as to why this location was called baudet, since this name could refer to a donkey, a type of folding bed with canvas straps, or a trestle for cutting wood.

In 1855, the Grand Trunk Railway was constructed through the area, and two years later, the "River Beaudette" post office opened.

[1] Rivière-Beaudette forms part of the federal electoral district of Salaberry—Suroît and has been represented by Claude DeBellefeuille of the Bloc Québécois since 2019.

Provincially, Rivière-Beaudette is part of the Soulanges electoral district and is represented by Marilyne Picard of the Coalition Avenir Québec since 2018.

List of former mayors (since formation of current municipality):[10] Rivière-Beaudette is home to nine-hole golf course which integrates the natural landscape of the site to maximize the golfers’ experience.