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!

Nine New Police From Nine Wards, Camden Daily Courier, July 5, 1922
News Articles

Nine New Police From Nine Wards

Mayor Frank S. Van Hart swore in nine new Camden policemen, one from each of nine wards — including Edward C. Hahn of the Tenth Ward — with five more appointments to follow.

·1 min read
Death notice for Elizabeth C. McCann, 3138 Alabama Road — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 9, 1922
News Articles

Elizabeth C. McCann

Death notice for Elizabeth C. McCann, beloved wife of George McCann, of 3138 Alabama Road, Fairview, Camden. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 9, 1922.

·1 min read
Taylor
News Articles

Robert G. Taylor

Death notice for Robert G. Taylor, 78, of 1322 North 26th Street, husband of Margaret A. Taylor. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 7, 1922.

·1 min read
10 South 32nd Street, Philadelphia Inquirer, May 31, 1922
News Articles

Lange

A Philadelphia Inquirer death notice for George A. Lange, 52, husband of Elsie Lange, who died May 28, 1922 in Detroit; the funeral was held from his father's home at 10 South 32nd Street in Camden.

·1 min read
Walt Whitmans Home in Camden - 1922-05-16
News Articles

Walt Whitman's Home in Camden

Editorial in The New York Herald, Monday May 15 [1922] The City Council of Camden, New Jersey, has voted that the home in which Walt Whitman passed the later years of his life and in which on March 26, 1892, he died shall not be destroyed but shall be preserved intact on the site where it stands.

·2 min read
Iron Bars Prevent Rescue of Boy Who Dies in Camden Fire, Philadelphia Inquirer, April 28, 1922
News Articles

Iron Bars Prevent Rescue of Boy Who Dies in Camden Fire

A Philadelphia Inquirer report of April 28, 1922 on a fatal fire at 1009 Broadway, Camden, in which iron bars from the building's former use as a bank prevented the rescue of a sleeping boy. Six firemen, including Captain Charles Watkins of No. 7 Engine Company, were injured.

·4 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, April 18, 1922 -- Charged with Homicide in Shooting
News Articles

Charged with Homicide in Shooting

Antonio Speer is held without bail on a homicide complaint by Captain of Detectives Schregler after fatally shooting Clinton R. Roberts, whom he caught robbing his hennery.

·1 min read
News Articles

Action on Camden Saloons Denied

Assistant Chief Edward S. Hyde, temporarily heading the Camden police department, denies that patrolmen listing the names of saloon patrons — a Federal Prohibition enforcement measure — are acting under any police orders.

·2 min read