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!

Found Wounded on Sidewalk at Kaighn Point newspaper clipping
News Articles

Found Wounded on Sidewalk at Kaighn Point

Joseph "Mose" Flannery, 26, Eighth ward political worker and slot machine distributor, lay dying in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital after being shot before dawn outside a saloon at Front street and Kaighn avenue. He refused to name his assailants — "My lips are sealed" — as Camden police and county detectives rounded up eight men and hunted for a motive.

·13 min read
Gorman Meets Test Against Joe Bashara
News Articles

Gorman Meets Test Against Joe Bashara

Hard-Hitting Middleweights Meet in Prelim to Forgione-McGorgary Bout Tuesday Successful so far in a comeback campaign launched recently, Joe Bashara, hard-hitting middleweight from Baltimore, will stack up against a tough customer in one of the preliminary bouts at the all-star show arranged by the Matthew Purnell Post 518, Veterans of Foreign Wars , at the Camden Convention Hall next Tuesday.

·3 min read
Man-Who-Supplied-Racketeers-Guns-Brought-to-Court-1
News Articles

Man Who Sup'lied Racketeers' Guns Brought to Court

Philadelphia, Sept 6—Edward S. Goldberg, proprietor of the Military Sales company, believed to have been the man who supplied Philadelphia gangsters with machine guns and bullet proof vests today faced arraignment before Magistrate E.J. Pennock on perjury charges as a result of the latest development in the inquiry into the underworld here.

·3 min read
Spearing Beats KO Kid
News Articles

Allen Takes Thumping But Gets Even Break

Former Maine Ringster Wins Four Rounds, Loses Three, Splits One in 8-Round Fuss A chorus of 1500 enraged voices, raised in a discordant unison, greeted the announcement of a draw decision handed down by Referee Ray Smith at the conclusion of eight rounds of legal assault between Roxie Allen and Emory Cabana at Twelfth and Federal streets last night.

·5 min read
Michaels Anxious to Beat Spearing
News Articles

Michaels Anxious to Beat Spearing

Riverside Youngster Out to Erase Cabana Defeat; Spearing Has Iron Jaw The Joe Spearing -Joey Michaels bout, which is slated as the semi- windup to the Roxie Allen -Emory Cabana fight at the Public Service Park on Friday night, is attracting nearly as much interest as the wind-up.

·2 min read
Spearing May Give Michaels Real Tilt
News Articles

Spearing May Give Michaels Real Tilt

East Camden Lightweight is Rapidly Developing Into Windup Performer Joe Spearing , of East Camden , who meets Joey Michaels, Riverside slugger in the eight-round semi-final to the Roxie Allen -Emory Cabana bout at Public Service Park on Friday night, is rapidly fighting his way into the windup class.

·3 min read
Variety obituary of comedian Johnny Dooley, June 13, 1928
News Articles

Johnny Dooley

Johnny Dooley, 41, comedian, died June 7 in the Homeopathic Hospital, Yonkers, of intestinal trouble. He had recently been operated upon for appendicitis.

·2 min read
Joseph Sparks obituary — Camden Courier-Post, May 21, 1928
News Articles

Joseph Sparks

Policeman Joseph Sparks, a city employee for 17 years, died at West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital from spinal meningitis. He lived at 20 North Twenty-eighth Street and had served as a patrolman since 1918, after seven years as a junior captain in Fire Company No. 7.

·1 min read