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!

Falls Seriously Injure Two
News Articles

Falls Seriously Injure Two

Two Camden teenagers suffered serious injuries in separate falls on October 16, 1912 — William McGinnis fell from a roof on 12th Street and William Cutdalis fell from a tree while gathering chestnuts at his home on 31st Street.

·1 min read
Portraits of Harry Duffield, Fred Coursey, and Linnans Staley
News Articles

Boy's Brutal Murderer Collapses at Hearing

Fred Coursey and Harry Duffield collapse in Police Court as Detective John Painter recounts the robbery killing of 18-year-old Karl Kellmann at Twenty-seventh and Sherman streets; Linnans Staley is committed as a principal.

·9 min read
Orrie Burroughs Ill
News Articles

Orrie Burroughs Ill

Fireman Orrie Burroughs of 520 Grant Street was confined to his home by illness requiring a physician's care.

·1 min read
Conscience Forces Confession
News Articles

Conscience Forces Confession

Eugene Caffrey confessed to Sergeant James Tatem at Camden police headquarters that he had stolen jewelry from the home of a friend.

·1 min read
Batted for Smith - 2012-09-04
News Articles

Batted for Smith

Fort Wayne Sentinel - September 4, 1912 Umpire Geisel batted for Ed Smith in the ninth inning of the last game at Zanesville and Jack Gilbert struck him out. Tydeman hit the bull sign in the final game and earned $50.

·1 min read
Deno - 1912-08-14
News Articles

DENO

Philadelphia Inquirer - August 14, 1912 DENO - 10th Inst, William, husband of Catharine C. Deno, aged 63. Relatives and friends, also Jackson Circle.

·1 min read
Springfield Massachusetts Republican, August 7, 1912, Baseball Briefs
News Articles

Baseball Briefs

A column of short baseball notes in the Springfield Republican, closing with word that the White Sox have taken up a collection for Danny Green and are talking of playing a benefit game for him.

·1 min read
New Orleans Item, August 4, 1912, Danny Green Is Ill at Chicago
News Articles

Danny Green Is Ill at Chicago

The New Orleans Item reports that Danny Green, long an idol at the West and South Side ball parks in Chicago, is confined with tuberculosis in the Cook county infirmary at Oak Forest and that hope of his recovery has been given up.

·1 min read
Portland Oregonian, August 1, 1912, Danny Green Breaks Down
News Articles

Danny Green Breaks Down

A brief Chicago dispatch in the Portland Oregonian reports that Danny Green, former outfielder of the Chicago National League club and later of the Chicago Americans, is seriously ill after two years of poor health.

·1 min read
Notice about Mrs. Mary Jane Gill injury, Philadelphia Inquirer, July 30, 1912
News Articles

Mrs. Mary Jane Gill

Mrs. Mary Jane Gill, 80, of 138 North Thirty-sixth Street, fractured a wrist and sprained a shoulder in a fall downstairs and was taken to Cooper Hospital.

·1 min read
Julia Macks news item — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 15, 1912
News Articles

Julia Macks Injured by Nail

A brief 1912 Philadelphia Inquirer item reporting that two-year-old Julia Macks, one of the celebrated Camden triplets, gashed her leg on a nail at 1701 Hale Street.

·1 min read
Four Youngsters Are Victims of Injuries, Daily Courier, June 11, 1912
News Articles

Four Youngsters Are Victims of Injuries

Four children in Camden are treated at hospitals after separate accidents in a single day: William Goll of Carman Street (motorcycle), Dorothy Sheeley of Berkley Street (go-cart), Arminto Degrello of 124 Clay Street (fall from chair), and Charles Travene of Spruce Street (wagon). Camden Daily Courier, June 11, 1912.

·2 min read