Camden, New Jersey

Camden History

Historical archives documenting the people, streets, and stories of Camden, New Jersey.

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.

Remnants of Camden's history are all around you if you know where to look!

Recently added — page 10

John L. Wible, East Camden Republican committeeman
People

John L. Wible

John Louis Wible (1885–1954) was a lifelong Camden resident and East Camden Republican leader — the first president of the East End Republican League and a county committeeman, active in Red Cross and Salvation Army campaigns.

·2 min read
Clay W. Reesman, 1926
People

Clay W. Reesman

Clay Wolf Reesman Jr. (c. 1884–1949) served as Camden City Commissioner (1927–1935) and Camden City Clerk (1936–1949), and chaired the Camden County Republican Committee.

·3 min read
Advertisement for Max Reihmann & Son, Roofing, Heating, Sheet Metal Contractors
People

Max Frederick Reihmann

Max Frederick Reihmann (b. 1861, Germany) came to Camden in 1889 and founded a sheet metal-working shop that became one of the city's leading concerns. He retired in 1913, passing the business to his sons Max Jr., Frederick, and Paul, and was active in Camden Masonic and civic life.

·3 min read
Pennsauken Polish Heroes War Memorial
Monuments

Polish Heroes War Memorial

The Polish Heroes War Memorial at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, N.J. (Park Drive and Route 130) unites three monuments — to Casimir Pulaski (1936, moved here 1984), Thaddeus Kosciusko (1984), and, since 1995, the members of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church of South Camden who died in World War II.

·5 min read
St. Joseph's Parish WWII War Memorial bronze plaque, Camden NJ
Monuments

St. Joseph's Parish WWII War Memorial

A bronze plaque in the vestibule of St. Joseph Church at 10th and Liberty Streets in Camden, presented by the Catholic War Veterans, St. Joseph's Post 418, and dedicated April 3, 1949, honoring the parish's heroic war dead of World War II.

·4 min read
Casimir Pulaski Monument, Pennsauken
Monuments

Casimir Pulaski Monument

The Casimir Pulaski Monument was dedicated in Camden, N.J. on October 11, 1936 at Pulaski Park (Benson Street and Haddon Avenue), the former City Hall site. In 1984 it was moved to Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, where it stands as part of the Polish Heroes War Memorial.

·2 min read
Bruno S. Ulak
People

Bruno S. Ulak

Bruno S. Ulak of Camden, NJ served as a First Lieutenant in the 698th Ordnance Company, Aviation. He survived the Bataan Death March and over two years as a Japanese prisoner of war before being killed on September 7, 1944, when the hell ship Shinyo Maru was torpedoed and sunk.

·12 min read
John Lozowski, high school yearbook photo
People

John Lozowski

John Lozowski, Private, VMSB-341, U.S. Marine Corps, was killed on April 8, 1943, when his plane crashed at Atlantic Field, North Carolina. He is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Gloucester Township, NJ. He had lived at 1143 Sheridan Street in Camden, NJ.

·2 min read
Portrait of Machinist's Mate First Class Joseph J. Piotrowski
People

Joseph J. Piotrowski

Machinist's Mate First Class Joseph J. Piotrowski of 1167 Chase Street, Camden, served aboard the cruiser USS Helena (CL-50), survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, and was killed in action on July 6, 1943 when the Helena was sunk at the Battle of Kula Gulf. He is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery.

·3 min read
Benjamin Wallace Bonk, U.S. Navy
People

Benjamin W. Bonk

Seaman First Class Benjamin Wallace Bonk of Camden, NJ served aboard the submarine USS Escolar (SS-294), lost with all hands in the Yellow Sea in late 1944. He is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery.

·3 min read
Walter Trynski
People

Walter Trynski

Walter Trynski of Camden, NJ served as a Technician 5th Class in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II. He died on July 6, 1947, while still serving, and is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Gloucester Township, NJ.

·1 min read
Harold H. Pike in Camden Fire Department uniform, 1964
People

Harold H. Pike

Harold Hadley Pike Jr. (1926–1998) served the Camden Fire Department for over 30 years, rising from ladderman to Fire Marshal and Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

·2 min read