Brandywine River, Pennsylvania: Called by the first settlers the Swedes, Fish-kiln, "fish creek." Its present name is ascribed by tradition to the toss of a Dutch vessel laden with brandy, or brand-wijn. Other authorities derive it from Andrew Braindwine, who owned lands near its mouth, in early days. A third theory is that the slough near Downington discharged its muddy waters into the creek, tinging it the color of brandy. A celebrated battle was fought there, which accounts for the name being given to eight places in the country.

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