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!

News Articles

Miss Dickinson, Leighton Heller in Engagement

Mr. and Mrs. William Dickinson of 931 Cooper Street announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss M. Elizabeth Dickinson, to Leighton J. Heller, a Dickinson College Law graduate recently discharged from U.S. Army service in India.

·1 min read
Howard E. Gominger military notice, Camden Courier-Post, August 15, 1945
News Articles

Howard E. Gominger

Howard E. Gominger, 23, son of Mrs. Myrtle Gominger of 3015 Carman Street, entered the service four months ago and is now stationed at Aberdeen, Md.

·1 min read
Camden City Flier Now Listed Killed — Camden Courier-Post, July 16, 1945
News Articles

Camden City Flier Now Listed Killed

A July 1945 Camden Courier-Post report that Technical Sergeant Benjamin W. Dyl of Woodlynne had died of wounds on February 5 in a German prison camp, after being wounded and captured while leading a four-man reconnaissance patrol.

·1 min read
Overturned Car Crash- Stock Photo
News Articles

CRASH INJURIES KILL LEGION AIDE';S SON

Lt. Jacques Allen Dies; Newfield Officer Slain in Conflict 1st Lt. Jacques Hartley Allen, 22, son of C. Richard Allen , Camden attorney and past department commander of the American Legion, died Thursday in Camp Pendleton hospital, Oceanside CA, of a disease super-induced from injuries received in an airplane crash during a battle in the South Pacific.

·2 min read
Clipping from The Courier-News - Newspapers.com
News Articles

Sage C. Russell Jr. Wounded

Camden Courier-Post - December 18, 1944 Russell, Sage C. Jr. , private first class, Marine Corps Reserve, Wounded. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sage C. Russell Sr. , 907 N. 19th St. , Camden.

·1 min read
Mrs. George E. Brown, 1944
News Articles

Mrs. George E. Brown

Marriage announcement for Miss Evelyn Ewen, who married the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brown of 127 North 24th Street in November 1944; the bridegroom was serving in the Naval Reserve as a gunner's mate, third class.

·1 min read
801 North 27th Street, October 26, 1944
News Articles

Gas Station Looted of Stamps, Radio

Two Camden gas stations were broken into overnight; gas stamps and a table radio were taken from a station at Wilson Boulevard, and Guy Saporita's station at 801 North 27th Street was also forced.

·1 min read
Pvt. William R. Van Istendal article headline, Camden Courier-Post, October 10, 1944
News Articles

Pvt. William R. Van Istendal

A Camden Courier-Post service note of October 10, 1944 on Pvt. William R. Van Istendal of 1183 North Thirty-fifth Street, who entered the Army in April 1944 and was serving with an armored unit at Fort Meade, Maryland.

·1 min read
Door Knob - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Woman's Scream Routs Robber

Children in Camden Join Outcry after Hand on Throat Awakens Her A woman's screams and the outcries of her two frightened children drove off a robber choking her in bed early Thursday morning.

·1 min read
News Articles

Auto Gunmen Fell Racetrack Figure

Camden NJ, August 26 (AP) — Five automatic shotgun blasts from a speeding automobile felled Robert Francis Curran, 44, of Silver Spring MD, a race horse trainer at Garden State Park , as he left the Walt Whitman Hotel in downtown Camden Saturday.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post, June 30, 1944 — Odenath Brothers in Service
News Articles

Odenath Brothers in Service

Sgt. William Odenath and Pvt. Richard Odenath, both of 208 Byron Street, are serving in World War II — William in India and Richard in Italy.

·1 min read