Photo above is from the 400 block of Federal Street in approximately 1890.
Welcome to Camden History, unsurprisingly about Camden, New Jersey, a city steeped in history and brimming with stories that have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of America’s past. Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, Camden has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. From its indigenous Lenape inhabitants to the bustling industrial hub of the 19th and 20th centuries, and from its pivotal role in the Underground Railroad to its contributions to the birth of the recording industry, Camden has played a significant part in shaping the nation’s narrative.
Camden’s origins can be traced back to the early 17th century when European settlers first arrived in the region. Over time, it evolved from a quaint village into a thriving industrial center, earning it the nickname “The City Invincible” in the late 19th century. The city’s industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and commerce, contributed to its growth and prosperity.
But Camden’s history is not just one of industry and commerce; it’s also a story of resilience, community, and cultural diversity. Throughout its past, the city has been home to waves of immigrants, each adding their unique traditions and flavors to the city’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
Join us on a journey through time as we explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Camden’s captivating history. From the waterfront to the neighborhoods, from famous figures to everyday citizens, we invite you to discover the hidden gems and untold tales that make Camden a city worth exploring and celebrating.
Whatever your interest, we invite you to join us, have a virtual coffee, subscribe to our email updates, and contribute your own insights.
Remnants of Camden’s history are all around you if you know where to look!
Latest Posts
- Adams AvenueAdams Avenue, located in the Cramer Hill section of Camden, NJ, was named after President John Quincy Adams. This is evident given that many nearby streets were named after presidents from the same era, including Van Buren, Polk, Pierce, Harrison, and Tyler. Adams Avenue begins near… Read more: Adams Avenue
- Ada StreetAda Street ran from Cherry Street south to Walnut Street, located one block east of South 9th Street. There were no houses listed on Ada Street in the 1947 City Directory. The street does not appear in directories prior to 1890-1891 and is absent from the… Read more: Ada Street
- Cambridge StreetCambridge Street, also known as Cambridge Avenue, begins at the Delaware River in what was once the Pavonia section, now considered part of Cramer Hill. It runs eastward, crossing Harrison Avenue, Pierce Avenue, Wayne Avenue, and River Avenue, before intersecting with North 27th Street, located between… Read more: Cambridge Street
- Camden TerraceCamden Terrace was a small street in Camden’s Eighth Ward, running south from Fairview Street between South 6th Street and Master Street. It is absent from the 1906, 1914, and 1918 City Directories but does appear in the 1924 edition. However, there are no homes listed… Read more: Camden Terrace
- Hillside AvenueHillside Avenue is located in East Camden, extending from Fremont Avenue to 6348 Highland Avenue.
- Henrietta TerraceHenrietta Terrace is an alley located behind the buildings on the 2600 block of Baird Boulevard in East Camden. It starts at the intersection of Baird Boulevard and Federal Street and runs until it meets the 2600 block of Mickle Street. There are no houses or… Read more: Henrietta Terrace
- Holcaine Street
Holcaine Street, sometimes also known as Holcaine Avenue, is a small street running south from Webster Street to 420 Jackson Street. In 1924, it had eight homes. In September 1932, Courier-Post reporter E. Allen Hughes wrote a three-part series on Camden’s small streets, alleys, courts, and… Read more: Holcaine Street - Howell StreetHowell Street is located in East Camden. Today, it starts at 20th Street, just east of East State Street, near the bridge that spans the railroad yard. In the past, a few houses stood below State Street. Howell Street runs parallel to the railroad tracks until… Read more: Howell Street
- Ware StreetWare Street was established in the 2000s following the demolition of the Chelton Terrace Public Housing project. The street runs east from Master Street to South 10th Street, parallel to Bulson Street, which is located to the south. There was a family named Ware who were… Read more: Ware Street
- Samuel B. Jobes
Samuel B. Jobes was born on June 6, 1831, in Bordentown, New Jersey. By 1850, he had moved to Camden, where he married Rebecca Richmond. Together, they had at least four children: Samuel B. Jobes Jr., born in 1859, and daughters Laura, Lillie, and Alice, all… Read more: Samuel B. Jobes - Tennessee RoadTennessee Road is a short, one-block thoroughfare running from Collings Road south to Merrimac Road, situated between New Jersey Road and Kearsarge Road. It lies across the street and southwest of Yorkship School. Notably, there are no houses or businesses directly facing Tennessee Road. Throughout the… Read more: Tennessee Road
- Kotlikoff’s25th & Federal Street, Camden, NJ Louis Jacob Kotlikoff was born in Kiev, Russia, in 1879. After immigrating to America, he married Clara Hager, another Jewish immigrant, around the turn of the 20th century. With $250, Louis opened his first store at 2511 Federal Street in… Read more: Kotlikoff’s