Father Pedro Cambon and Father Angel Somera founded Mission San Gabriel Arcángel on September 8, 1771. The mission was named for the Archangel Gabriel. It is said that the original mission was planned for another area south east of the present location. This original location was said to be where the city of El Monte is today. At that time this site proved to be prone to flooding because of the adjacent San Gabriel River. The mission was the fourth mission built by the Franciscans. It contained the typical facade of Roman arches, which seem to be a common feature of the missions. What makes the mission unique is the mosque-like appearance of the church. This mission, they believe, was modeled after the Cathedral of Cordova (formerly a mosque) in Spain. The church was begun in 1779 but was not completed until 1805. The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was damaged in the earthquake of 1812, as were many of the missions in California. The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel remains in continuous use.

In 1775, it was decided the mission should be moved to a new site. The new mission location was then moved to where it is today. The location of the mission is on Junipero Street and West Union Drive in the city of San Gabriel. The new site proved to be very prosperous. So much that is became known as "The Queen of the Missions". It produced more wheat than any other mission as well as large crops of corn, beans as well as fruits.

The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was known for it's large herds of cattle. The Cattle provided for a large growing industry. The needs this industry provided were important. Besides food, the cattle also provided for the highly prized industries of tallow rendering and soap-making. Tallow is a substance, which comes from the fat of cattle. It was very useful for candle and soap making. Raw leather product as well as tanning hides for leather goods were another industry provided. The Native Americans were extremely skilled in many of the craft industries especially basket weaving and wine making.

This mission, although one of the most prosperous, was also one of the most difficult missions for the padres assigned there as well as those living and working there. Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was located on one of the main routes used by travelers from Mexico to Alto California Travelers who were coming from the eastern United States to the West Coast. The mission was a stop off point for many travelers. Many of these were simply weary from long and difficult Journeys. The mission was used to get food and temporary shelter.

The mission was often very crowded with the military, whose behavior was usually very disruptive to the missionaries as well as the Native Americans living within the mission. There were also plenty of unwelcome visitors who caused many problems for those living in the mission.

In 1859 President Buchanan restored the neglected property to the Catholic Church. From this point the Catholic Church along with other groups worked for the preservation of what remains today.

Today within the museum at the mission there is a collection of canvases believed to be the oldest examples of sacred art done by native California painters. Many are truly remarkable works of art and show the reasons why this mission was "Queen", the people who lived and worked there were of noble character.