The first settlers, mostly Irish and Scottish Loyalists, came around 1825 to the shores of Lake Maskinongé, where they formed a community that was known as Lake Maskinongé Settlement by 1827, and later as the Mission of Lac-Maskinongé.

This name refers to the angel Gabriel and the geographic township of Brandon that was proclaimed in 1827 and in which it is located.

[1] In 1851, the Parish of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon was founded and the post office opened that same year.

[1] In 1892, the main settlement on Lake Maskinongé separated from the parish municipality and became the Village Municipality of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon (now known as the Town of Saint-Gabriel).

[5] Population trend:[6] Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 1,304 (total dwellings: 1,585) Mother tongue: The Commission scolaire des Samares operates francophone public schools: The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board operates anglophone public schools, including: