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!

Pulaski Day Parade, Camden, 1976 — "Mending Our Heritage" float
News Articles

Pulaski Day Parade

The "Mending Our Heritage" float — depicting Betsy Ross presenting the first United States flag to Gen. George Washington — won first prize at Camden's 1976 Pulaski Bicentennial parade; Gov. Brendan Byrne praised the people of Whitman Park for their conduct during the march.

·2 min read
Mary Bellangee
News Articles

Mary Bellangee

Death and funeral notice for Mary Bellangee, 42, of 607 Ferry Avenue; survived by three daughters and a brother.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post, December 3, 1975 — Sterling M. Beverly obituary
News Articles

Beverly

Sterling M. Beverly, 45, of 723 North 10th Street, Camden, died December 3, 1975. Survived by wife Mary E. Beverly and four children.

·1 min read
Fatal Fire Truck Crash Is Blamed on Their Sirens
News Articles

Fatal Fire Truck Crash Is Blamed on Their Sirens

Camden Courier-Post, August 18, 1975. Engines One and Eight collided at 6th and Pine Streets, killing Wilkins Tisdale and injuring 14, including Albert Collum, captain of Engine One. A fire official theorised the drivers could not hear each other over their own sirens.

·4 min read
Fireman - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Fireman Dies After City Blaze

Camden Courier-Post - June 5, 1975 A Camden fireman collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack early today after returning from the scene of a two-alarm fire that severely damaged a city warehouse.

·1 min read
Edwin S. Wirtz obituary notice, Camden Courier-Post, April 12, 1975
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WIRTZ

Death notice for Edwin S. Wirtz of North Wildwood, formerly of Maple Shade and Camden, who died April 10, 1975; services from the Inglesby Funeral Home, Maple Shade, with interment at Northwood Cemetery.

·1 min read
Fire Rips E. Camden Home, Leaving 4 Youngsters Dead - Camden Courier-Post, January 31, 1975
News Articles

Fire Rips E. Camden Home, Leaving 4 Youngsters Dead

Four children of Mrs. Geraldine Binder died in a 20-minute fire at 433 Garden Avenue in East Camden; Battalion Chief Thomas Blair said all four appeared to have died of smoke inhalation and that the blaze likely started near the living room couch.

·3 min read
An Ordinance Releasing and Extinguishing the Public Rights in Clay Street — Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1974
News Articles

Clay Street Extinguished

The City of Camden ordinance releasing and extinguishing the public rights in Clay Street between South Second Street and Front Street, as part of the City Centre urban renewal project. Camden Courier-Post, October 12, 1974.

·2 min read
Camden Courier-Post, September 7, 1974 - He Shot at Me Twice...Bang...Bang...
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'He Shot at Me Twice…Bang…Bang…'

Twenty-five years after Howard Unruh's 1949 "Walk of Death," Frank Engel — proprietor of Engel's Cafe on River Avenue in Cramer Hill — recounts to the Camden Courier-Post how he fired the shot that wounded the killer.

·2 min read
Gangster Murder Stock Photo
News Articles

Who Killed Margaret Day?

Margaret Day, a 19-year-old Rutgers student, was murdered May 3, 1974 near The Grille bar at 213 North 6th Street in Camden; the case remains unsolved.

·1 min read