History of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Québec, Canada

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.
The very first family is that of Mr. Jesse Armstrong, who came from Scotland.
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The first French Canadian families appeared around 1830.

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In 1837, the name Saint-Gabriel-du-Lac-Maskinongé came in use but was changed to Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon in 1840. This name refers to the angel Gabriel and the geographic township of Brandon that was proclaimed in 1827 and in which it is located.
In 1827, the Township of Brandon was civilly constituted. Ten years later, the municipality adopted the name of Saint-Gabriel-du-Lac-Maskinongé. This name evokes the Archangel Gabriel and recalls the city of Brandon, in Great Britain.
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1840 - Parish of St-Gabriel-de-Brandon is opened

Le Programme de recherche en démographie historique - Univeriste de Montreal

In 1851, the post office opened
The parish of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon was canonically constituted at the beginning of 1851.
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In 1888, with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway which connects this place to Montreal, the economic boom of the parish begins.
Lumber is exploited there and the McLaren sawmill employs a hundred men to ship more than a hundred wagonloads of pulpwood per year.
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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)

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1895 - Saint Gabriel de Brandon
Saint Gabriel de Brandon, a post-village in Berthier co., Quebec, on Lac Maskinonge, 21 miles N.N.W. of Berthier en Haut.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Saint Gabriel de Brandon, a banking post-village of Berthier co., Quebec, on Lac Maskinonge, 21 miles NNW. of Berthier en Haut, on the Canadian Pacific R. Pop. in 1901, 1199.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Towards the beginning of the 20th century, wood supplies began to run out, but the production of charcoal by the Canadian Charcoal Co. Ltd continued until 1922.
That year, a fire put an end to the company's activities.
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Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon has a lot to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this lovely village:
Explore Parc des Chutes Dorwin: This picturesque park is home to a series of waterfalls and cascades, making it a perfect spot for a scenic walk or a picnic. The trails are well-maintained, and there are several viewpoints where you can take in the beauty of the falls.

Canoeing and Kayaking on Lake Maskinongé: Lake Maskinongé is a stunning freshwater lake that offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Paddle along the calm waters, soak in the serene surroundings, and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Hiking in Parc régional des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles: This regional park is a short drive from Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon and offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. The highlight of the park is the Monte-à-Peine waterfall, which is a rewarding sight at the end of a hike.

Visit Espace culturel Saint-Gabriel: This cultural space hosts various exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year. It's a great place to... Read MORE...