Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent (1724 – August 8, 1794) was a merchant and military officer who played a major role in development of the Louisiana Territory during its era as New France and New Spain. Maxent was born in Longwy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, in Lorraine, France. In 1747 he immigrated to New Orleans, Louisiana. He enlisted in the military and in 1749 married the wealthy Elizabeth La Roche and used the dowry to open a building on Conti Street to supply fur traders.