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 17

Kaighn's Point Ferry and trolley, early 1900s
Streets

Kaighn Avenue

One of Camden's major east-west streets, running from Kaighn's Point at the Delaware River east to Admiral Wilson Boulevard and the Airport Circle in Pennsauken, with block-by-block address histories from the 1860s through the early 2000s.

·51 min read
Historical Accounts

Ali: The Cherry Hill Years Part II

Originally printed in South Jersey Magazine in 2002 As Muhammad Ali turns 60, and Will Smith turns into Muhammad Ali, we visit a simpler time, a time of truth and consequences, a time when the once and future champ of the world lived on Barbara Drive, just off the park in Cherry Hill.

·14 min read
Major Coxson Pours Sonny a Drink
People

Major Benjamin Coxson

Major Benjamin Coxson, an African-American, was a well-known and flamboyant figure in the criminal underworld. He was involved in various illegal activities, including car theft and acting as a fixer in gangland circles.

·2 min read
Alfred Cramer - 1886
People

Alfred Cramer

Alfred Cramer was born in 1844 on a farm in Blackwood. He lived there until he was sixteen, at which poin the began working as a book salesman. This early sales experience would later prove to be a valuable foundation for his success in business.

·2 min read
Rasheer Fleming - Gloucester City Lions
People

Rasheer Fleming

Rasheer Fleming was born in Camden, NJ on July 10, 2004 and as of 2025 is a professional NBA player for the Phoenix Suns.

·3 min read
Streets

Morrison Street

Morrison Street in East Camden originally ran from North 27th Street to the railroad tracks past Dudley Street; the 1906 Sanborn Map shows almost no buildings in its 2700 and 2800 blocks.

·1 min read
Streets

Olive Street

Olive Street is a short, one-block street in Camden's Morgan Village, running west from South 8th Street to Morgan Boulevard and listed in city directories since 1878.

·1 min read
Louis C Schlam - 1942-08-15
People

Louis C. Schlam

Louis Charles Schlam was born in Pennsylvania on January 31, 1887, to Henry Schlam and his wife, Catherine Spicer Schlam. He was the second of at least twelve children. His father worked as a shoemaker.

·2 min read
August Hiller
People

August J. Hiller

August Joseph Hiller Sr. was a prominent figure in Camden, New Jersey's German-American community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was actively involved in organizations such as the Camden Liedertafel, the Turn Verein, and Ss.

·1 min read
Sitley and Son - Postcard
Manufacturing and Hardware

Sitley and Son

Sitley & Son was established by Arthur M. Sitley and his son, Frank Budd Sitley. Originally farmers, the Sitleys recognized a business opportunity in Camden and began selling grain, feed, and farm equipment.

·2 min read
Bars and Clubs

Soroptimist Club

In the years before television, Camden's social life was shaped significantly by its many active social, service, and fraternal organizations.

·3 min read
People

Josiah Sage

Josiah Sage was born in New Jersey in May 1862, according to the 1900 U.S. Census. His older sister, Hannah, married Charles Henry Peters in the late 1860s. By 1880, Sage was single and working as an oil cloth painter.

·2 min read