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
- Old Ferries – Annals of Camden NJ
In this age of inventions, improvements and ever-changing modes of transportation, the ferry boat is still an important factor in carrying the traveller across that “goodly and noble” river which forms the boundary between the two Quaker Colonies of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, although founded… Read more: Old Ferries – Annals of Camden NJ - Coates StreetCoates Street was once a two-block street in Camden. It ran parallel to Broadway and South 5th Street, starting at Cherry Street and going north across Spruce Street to Division Street. Today, Coates Street is only one block long, from Spruce Street to Division Street. Many… Read more: Coates Street
- Coates AlleyCoates Alley, originally known as Daubman Alley, was a short one-block street in Camden that ran parallel to Broadway and South 5th Street, stretching from 510 Cherry Street south to 512 Walnut Street. It is often confused with Coates Street, which also runs parallel to those… Read more: Coates Alley
- Burns StreetBurns Street was part of Camden's historic “Poet's Row” neighborhood, a small cluster of streets named after famous English literary figures. This charming section, located north of Erie Street and running east-west from North 2nd Street, included Byron Street, Burns Street, and Milton Street. These streets… Read more: Burns Street
- Morse Street
Morse Street in East Camden was named after Henry G. Morse, founder and president of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. This company played a major role in Camden's industrial development, and its shipyard at Broadway and Morgan Boulevard led to the creation of Yorkship Village in… Read more: Morse Street - Bernard BertmanBernard Bertman lived at 941 Broadway as late as 1936 and had his law offices in the Wilson Building at Broadway and Cooper Street. In the mid-1920s, he played an active role in the fundraising campaign that led to the construction of the Walt Whitman Hotel… Read more: Bernard Bertman
- Augustus F. Werner
Augustus F. Werner was born around 1870. According to the 1920 Census, he was born in Texas to German-speaking parents who had emigrated from the Lorraine region, which was then part of France. He met and married his wife, Annie, around 1891. While his obituary states… Read more: Augustus F. Werner - James J. DalyJames J. Daly was born in Camden around 1881 and spent nearly his entire life there. He was the son of James P. Daly and his wife. His father entered the bar business as early as 1906, operating Daly’s Café at 800 Linden Street. He ran… Read more: James J. Daly
- Basketball States: James F. CampbellName: James F. “Soup” Campbell Height: 5′ 9″ Weight: 160 lbs College: None Born: 1896 Died: March 4, 1942 Hometown: Homestead, PA. Year Team League GA FGM FTM FTA PCT AST PTS AVG 1914-1915 Homestead Shippers Indep 1915-1916 Tower City (Pa) Indep 26 86 0 172… Read more: Basketball States: James F. Campbell
- James F. “Soup” Campbell
James Francis “Soup” Campbell was born on December 24, 1897, in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He likely learned to play basketball at the Homestead YMCA under the guidance of Sandy Shields, a star of the 23rd Street Wanderers. Fellow Homestead natives Jackie Adams and Roy Steele were also… Read more: James F. “Soup” Campbell - Augustus E. Gondolf Sr.
Augustus Edwin “Gus” Gondolf Sr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1892. His father, Edward Gondolff, was the son of Peter Gondolff Sr., who immigrated to the United States from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. The family initially settled in Pennsylvania. Over time, most… Read more: Augustus E. Gondolf Sr. - George FrostGeorge Frost was the son of Andrew and Christiana Frost, both of whom were born in what is now Germany. The family name was originally Fraust, and his parents and siblings continued using that name into the 1870s. Shortly after the birth of George's older brother… Read more: George Frost