According to local tradition, Brunswick stew originated in Brunswick County in 1828 when Dr. Creed Haskins's camp cook, Jimmy Matthews, prepared squirrels for a hunting-party stew by simmering them with butter, onions, stale bread, and seasoning. Over time, recipes changed as chicken replaced squirrel and vegetables were added, but the stew remained thick and rich. Other states have made similar claims, but Virginia's is the first.