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!

Camden at a Glance, Philadelphia Inquirer, September 8, 1915
News Articles

Camden at a Glance

Charles Sapp, 48, of 607 Avon Street, was prostrated by heat while waiting for a train at the Pennsylvania Railroad terminal and taken to Cooper Hospital.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, August 20, 1915 -- Merrill Confesses
News Articles

Merrill Confesses; Is Also Deserter

Albert Merrill confesses to taking $8000 entrusted to him as an Adams Express agent; traced to Massachusetts by Detective Captain Schregler, he admits he is also a British navy deserter.

·3 min read
Dies After Washing
News Articles

Dies After Washing

Mrs. Theresa Mattix, 63, of 603 North Fourth Street, Camden, collapsed and died after doing a washing in July 1915; the coroner attributed her death to cerebral hemorrhage brought on by the heat.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 30, 1915 — Peter Bolione of 915 Jefferson Street injured at New York Shipbuilding plant
News Articles

Camden At A Glance

Peter Bolione, 36, of 915 Jefferson Street, suffered a compound arm fracture when a pneumatic drill kicked at the New York Shipbuilding plant.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 17, 1915 — 4 Held for Man's Death
News Articles

4 Held for Man's Death

Four men were held without bail on manslaughter charges following the death of John Mabelski after a brawl near Railroad and Ferry avenues.

·1 min read
Fugitive Leaps From Window — Edward Finn, 2617 Howell Street, Philadelphia Inquirer, July 1, 1915
News Articles

Fugitive Leaps From Window

Edward Finn, 17, of 2617 Howell Street burglarized a home at 564 North 27th Street and leaped from a second-story window to escape before being arrested, in July 1915.

·1 min read
Camden at a Glance, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 19, 1915
News Articles

Camden at a Glance

Local briefs from Camden including Julius Narshinski, 40, of 214 Burns Street treated at Cooper Hospital for heat exhaustion, a drowning in the Delaware, and a fatal accident at the Gibbstown powder plant.

·1 min read
Woman Held as Scold
News Articles

Woman Held as Scold

Mrs. Alice Snell, 40, of 535 South Fourth Street was committed to jail in default of $500 bail in June 1915 after neighbours testified she was a common scold and general nuisance.

·1 min read
Twenty Glass Workers Strike, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 17, 1915
News Articles

Twenty Glass Workers Strike

Twenty men struck the American Art Glass Company at Front and Kaighn Avenue over contract prices; police were called to head off trouble with strikebreakers.

·1 min read
Held for Strike Riot — Joseph Copvinski, 1053 Diamond Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 16, 1915
News Articles

Held for Strike Riot

Joseph Copvinski of 1053 Diamond Street and Frank Notevis of Mount Vernon Street were held in $1,000 bail each on charges arising from labor troubles at the Keystone Leather Company.

·1 min read