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 24

Waterview Inn, 2900 Adams Avenue, photographed June 25, 2011
Streets

Adams Avenue

Adams Avenue, in the Cramer Hill section of Camden, was named after President John Quincy Adams, running northeast from North 28th Street to the site of the former Tucker shipyard.

·4 min read
Streets

Ada Street

Ada Street ran from Cherry Street south to Walnut Street, one block east of South 9th Street, before being removed in the early 1970s when Interstate Highway I-676 was constructed through the heart of Camden.

·1 min read
Map of Cramer Hill and East Camden, 1914
Streets

Cambridge Street

Cambridge Avenue, also known as Cambridge Street, runs easterly from the Delaware River through the Cramer Hill neighborhood, crossing Harrison, Pierce, Wayne, and River avenues to North 27th Street.

·5 min read
Streets

Camden Terrace

Camden Terrace was a small street in Camden's Eighth Ward, running south from Fairview Street between South 6th Street and Master Street, obliterated when I-676 was built.

·1 min read
1946 map of East Camden showing Hillside Avenue and surrounding streets
Streets

Hillside Avenue

Hillside Avenue is a street in East Camden, New Jersey, running from Fremont Street to 6348 Highland Avenue and passing Eva Street, Ella Street, and Waldorf Avenue.

·4 min read
Map showing Henrietta Terrace in East Camden
Streets

Henrietta Terrace

Henrietta Terrace is an alley in East Camden, New Jersey, running behind the 2600 block of Baird Boulevard from Federal Street to Mickle Street. No houses or buildings carry a Henrietta Terrace address.

·1 min read
Holcaine Avenue as seen from Webster Street, 1932
Streets

Holcaine Street

Holcaine Street, also called Holcaine Avenue, is a small one-block street in Camden, New Jersey, running south from Webster Street to 420 Jackson Street. Eight homes stood on it in 1924; four remained as of 2011.

·2 min read
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 25th and Howell Street, East Camden, photographed 1909
Streets

Howell Street

Howell Street runs through East Camden from 20th Street to 30th Street, parallel to the Pavonia railroad tracks. Homes were built by the 1880s, and several businesses operated here during Camden's industrial years, including Nick's Auto Parts and the Pavonia Ice & Coal Company. The first Catholic parish in East Camden, St. Joseph Church, stood at 25th and Howell Street.

·18 min read
Streets

Ware Street

Ware Street in Camden, NJ was created in the 2000s after the Chelton Terrace housing project was demolished; it runs from Master to South 10th Street.

·1 min read
Samuel B. Jobes
People

Samuel B. Jobes

Samuel B. Jobes was born on June 6, 1831, in Bordentown, New Jersey. By 1850, he had moved to Camden, where he married Rebecca Richmond.

·27 min read
Streets

Tennessee Road

Tennessee Road is a short, one-block road from Collings Road south to Merrimac Road, across from Yorkship School, with no houses or businesses facing it. It is named for the battleship USS Tennessee.

·1 min read
Kotlikoff Storefront - 1936-10-08
Retail

Kotlikoff's

25th & Federal Street, Camden, NJ Louis Jacob Kotlikoff was born in Kiev, Russia, in 1879. After immigrating to America, he married Clara Hager, another Jewish immigrant, around the turn of the 20th century.

·2 min read