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!

Dangerous Foe Clashes with Oaks Tonight - Camden Evening Courier, February 21, 1927
News Articles

Dangerous Foe Clashes with Oaks Tonight

Tom Ryan previews a crucial Camden County Senior Basketball League week in February 1927, recalling Oaklyn's protest after "Otts" Laxton was shoved through a gymnasium door in an earlier game against Immaculate Conception.

·4 min read
Men Nabbed in Raids Held in Bail for Court — Camden Courier-Post, February 11, 1927
News Articles

Men Nabbed in Raids Held in Bail for Court

Harry Lightman of 1240 North Twentieth Street and Harry Mans of 1229 North Twentieth Street were each held in $1,000 bail after raids found a 100-gallon still at each address in February 1927.

·1 min read
Vice Squad Raids Nine Disorderly Houses, Camden Courier-Post, February 7, 1927
News Articles

Vice Squad Raids Nine Disorderly Houses

The Camden vice squad raided nine alleged disorderly houses in South Camden in February 1927. The largest raid hit the home of former prize fighter Walter 'Kentucky Rosebud' Edgerton; Unity Hall at 318 Joint Alley was among the places raided.

·1 min read
60 North 32nd Street, 1927 newspaper clipping
News Articles

Camden Home Robbed

Third District police sought James W. Clymer to tell him his home at 60 North Thirty-second Street — which he had left for Merchantville two days earlier — had been broken into and the furniture left behind damaged.

·1 min read
William J. Hurlock - Boy Suspects Caught in Running Gun Fight - 1927
News Articles

Boy Suspects Caught in Running Gun Fight

Two youths were arrested after a running gun battle on Cooper Street. Merritt Hall, 17, of 514 Ray Street, and Philip Schatz, 19, of 214 Arch Street, were charged with attempted larceny of an automobile; Schatz faced an additional charge of carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

·1 min read
131 N. 26th Street, Albert G. Cramp & Family, 1926
News Articles

Martha P. Cramp

Funeral notice for Martha P. Cramp, 43, wife of Albert G. Cramp of 131 North 26th Street, with solemn high requiem mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and burial in Calvary Cemetery.

·1 min read
Camden Post-Telegram clipping: Sergeant Stark Quits Bridge Police Force
News Articles

Sergeant Stark Quits Bridge Police Force

After four months as a sergeant of the Camden Bridge police, Raymond "Mike" Stark resigned to Captain Alfred Souders and returned to the Camden police department as chauffeur of the Third District ambulance, dropping his disability pension suit against the city.

·1 min read
Like A Ghost At The Feast — Camden Daily Courier, July 12, 1926
News Articles

Like a Ghost at the Feast

A 1926 retrospective recalling William Cooper's 1906 laudanum suicide in Cole's barroom on Federal Street — 20 years after he sat dead in a chair for six hours while a pinochle game continued around him.

·1 min read