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
- Weston D. Fisler
Weston D. Fisler, nicknamed “Icicle,” was born on July 5, 1841, in Camden, NJ. He came from a well-known family; his father, Dr. Lorenzo F. Fisler, was the mayor of Camden three times. In 1864, Wes played as a catcher and was the cleanup hitter for… Read more: Weston D. Fisler - Blue Collar WorkBy Robert A. Stanton During the summer of 1942 I worked as a laborer at a large factory, and my experience there has affected my opinions on labor relations ever since. The J. R. Evans Company Leather Factory at at 2nd and Erie Streets in Camden,… Read more: Blue Collar Work
- Historical Sketch of the Camden Fire Insurance Association, Camden, NJ.Compiled by B. F. Bibighaus, 1914 Camden, New Jersey — from which the Association takes its name — was named after Earl Camden, Lord Chancellor of England. The Earl’s friendship for the American Colonists and his strong opposition to their unjust taxation by the English Parliament,… Read more: Historical Sketch of the Camden Fire Insurance Association, Camden, NJ.
- Camden Mutual Insurance Association
Southwest Corner of 5th and Federal Street In September of 2005, workmen employed by the FFC Construction Company of Gloucester City NJ were instructed to erect a fence at the southwest corner of Fifth and Federal as a safety precaution for pedestrians, as the recently installed… Read more: Camden Mutual Insurance Association - Robert A. Stanton
Robert A. Stanton, known as Bob to his friends, grew up on Park Boulevard in Camden’s Parkside section and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1940. His family had deep ties to Camden: his second cousin, Robert S. Hart, was killed in an aircraft accident… Read more: Robert A. Stanton - Samuel S. YellinSam Yellin was born on January 4th, 1905, in Camden, New Jersey, as the eldest of nine children. His parents, Louis and Sarah, owned a dry goods store in Camden. Due to his father’s frequent illnesses, Sam left school at the age of 12 to help… Read more: Samuel S. Yellin
- Fletcher Stanley Bleakly
Fletcher Stanley Bleakly, known as F. Stanley Bleakly, or just Stanley Bleakly, was the son of John W. F. Bleakly and his wife Fannie. His grandfather, William Bleakly, owned a large lime and cement company at Front and Federal Streets in the 1880s and 1890s, where… Read more: Fletcher Stanley Bleakly - Camden County General HospitalBesides Cooper, West Jersey, and Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden residents used other medical facilities over the years. Some, like the Municipal Hospital and Belleview Hospital, both long closed, were in the city limits. One in particular, the County Hospital at Lakeland, was not, and is… Read more: Camden County General Hospital
- The Red Carpet1037-1039 Broadway From the 1980s into the late 1990s, 1037-1039 Broadway was home to the Red Carpet, a bar owned and operated by Elaine Gardiner Brundage. Elaine ran the bar until about a year before her death at 61 on December 25, 2000. During the 1990s,… Read more: The Red Carpet
- Joe MontanaJoe Montana was a heavyweight wrestler from Camden in the first half of the 1900’s.
- Isaac J. HibbsIsaac J. Hibbs was born on March 25, 1848, in Pennsylvania. He was the son of Isaac G. Hibbs, a carpenter, and his wife Mary. At the time of the 1850 Census, he was the youngest of the seven living Hibbs children. The family resided in… Read more: Isaac J. Hibbs
- Charles Boyer – ExcerptThis content is excerpted from South Jersey – A History: 1624-1924. CHARLES SHIMER BOYER was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1869, son of Benjamin Franklin and Alabama (Shimer) Boyer. On the paternal side, his great-grandfather, John Boyer, arrived in Philadelphia from the Palatinate in 1739,… Read more: Charles Boyer – Excerpt