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 29

Milton A. Kelly
Historical Accounts

A Kelly Family History

by William Roles Kelly My Paternal Grandparents My Maternal Grandparents: Milton A. Kelly and Charlotte R. Kelly I don't remember a great deal about my grandfather, for he died in '32 when I was barely 4 years old.

·5 min read
Ruthie-Reeves-Doreen-Kelly-Carol-Kelly-1949
Historical Accounts

Milton Kelly Family

Before Camden The Milton Kelly family's Camden story is similar to many others, in that they came to Camden prior to World War I and left during the Vietnam years.

·8 min read
Perry Street - Sanborn Map - 1906
Streets

Ringold Street

Ringold Street was a one-block Camden street running from Line Street to Pine Street near Haddon Avenue, razed by the 1960s for Campbell Soup parking.

·1 min read
Hollingshead Fire from Carpenter Street
Streets

Carpenter Street

Carpenter Street was a narrow residential street in North Camden, running from North 8th Street to Cooper Street. Most of it was destroyed in the 1940 Hollingshead Factory fire and later razed for Interstate 676; today only the 800 block remains.

·1 min read
Postcard advertising A.J. Vanzant coal: horse-drawn wagons loading at a coal yard beside rail tracks, with printed address details.
Streets

Van Hook Street

History and occupants of Van Hook Street (now Carl Miller Boulevard) in Camden, New Jersey, including the Bunting family at 515, Clement Coverall Company at 615, Booth's Flowers at 693, the Avalon Bar at 1176, and the eight houses builder S. Levy finished at 632–646 by January 1928.

·17 min read
Marlton Avenue West from Federal Street - 2004-07-01
Streets

Marlton Avenue

Marlton Avenue in East Camden begins at Federal Street as an extension of State Street and runs east to the city limits; nearby houses were razed around 2006 for the new Thomas Dudley Elementary School.

·1 min read
Streets

Markley Place

Markley Place is a short alley west of North 5th Street, behind Centenary-Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church; the 1891 Sanborn Map shows it as Burr Alley, named for John Burr's box factory.

·1 min read
Sanborn-Map-Excerpt-1906-9th-Moore-York
Streets

Moore Street

Moore Street was a small street running east from North 9th Street toward the Cooper River, south of York Street. It appears in city directories as early as 1867, beside the Highland Worsted Mill.

·1 min read
1914 map of Larch Street, Camden NJ
Streets

Larch Street

A small street running from 708 North 2nd Street east to North 8th Street, between State and Vine Streets, in Camden, New Jersey.

·1 min read
Linwood Fisher, Camden Fire Department
Streets

Kolo Street

Kolo Street is a one-block street in Camden's Fairview section, running south from Sheridan Street to Van Hook Street; three brick twin homes were built on the street, rendering six addresses.

·1 min read
News Articles

Attorney General Platkin Announces Racketeering Charges Against Six Defendants in Criminal Enterprise Led by George Norcross

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a 13-count indictment on June 17, 2024, charging George E. Norcross III and five associates — including former Camden Mayor Dana Redd — with first-degree racketeering over a criminal enterprise accused of acquiring Camden waterfront property and government tax credits through coercion and official misconduct.

·7 min read
Jane Street, 1906 Sanborn map detail
Streets

Jane Street

Jane Street, occasionally Jayne Street, ran one block south from 1062 Line Street to Pine Street, just east of Haddon Avenue; it was razed by the 1960s for Campbell Soup Company parking.

·2 min read