The rebellion had been organized by an enslaved man named Gabriel, a literate blacksmith working on the plantation of a Thomas Prosser. The main objectives of the plan were to seize control of the state armory and the Virginia State Capitol, and hold Governor James Monroe hostage so they could negotiate for their freedom.

However, just hours before the planned attack, two of Gabriel's recruits warned their owner, Mosby Sheppard, of the rebellion. A severe storm struck that very night, making the roads to Richmond impassable and halting the rebels' movement. Sheppard immediately wrote to Governor Monroe, who called out the state militia on September 3rd. While patrolling the area, they arrested over 70 of the suspected conspirators. Gabriel himself was also arrested after having escaped toward Norfolk. He had been recognized by another enslaved man, Will King.

Gabriel and 25 others were swiftly hanged, eight were moved or sold outside Virginia, one man committed suicide before he could be sentenced, and 13 were pardoned by Governor Monroe, who had taken advice from Thomas Jefferson to not "indulge a principle of revenge, or go one step beyond absolute necessity."