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!

Philadelphia Inquirer, September 2, 1904 — Daniel N. Bromley obituary
News Articles

Daniel N. Bromley

Funeral notice for Daniel N. Bromley, 49, who died September 1, 1904; services on Sunday, September 4, from the residence of his brother-in-law Alvin Wilke at 1503 South Tenth Street, with interment at Evergreen Cemetery.

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Camden News Notes newspaper clipping
News Articles

Camden News Notes

Camden briefs for August 25, 1904, closing with Captain Stanley's raid on a South Third Street house kept by Pearl Welcome, in which six people were arrested.

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Police Guard Gas Tank, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12, 1904
News Articles

Police Guard Gas Tank

A Philadelphia Inquirer report of August 12, 1904 on the police guard placed over the gas holder being built at Locust and Walnut streets in Camden during a riveters' strike. Charles F. Watkins was named among those assaulted.

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Strikers and Workmen Fight newspaper clipping
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Strikers and Workmen Fight

Striking riveters building a gas tank for the Public Service Corporation at Locust and Walnut Streets clashed with replacement workmen at Fifth and Walnut; a squad under Captain Stanley dispersed the crowd.

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edwardshyde-073004-inq.jpg
News Articles

Six Hurt by Falling Walls

Six workmen are hurt when storm-weakened walls collapse at Park's storage warehouse on Haddon Avenue; Sergeant of Police Hyde, who lived nearby, sends in the emergency call and the men are taken to Cooper Hospital.

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Clipping from Courier-Post - Newspapers.com
News Articles

The Casson Brothers

Camden Morning Courier - July 8, 1904 The Casson Brothers, a clever acrobatic team, have secured an engagement at Guvernator's pavillion theatre, Atlantic City, the last week in July.

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206 South 32nd Street, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 24, 1904
News Articles

Craig—Fisher

Elsie M. Fisher and William B. Craig of East Camden were married in June 1904 at the bride's home, 3024 Federal Street, by the Rev. George T. Harris of the Asbury M. E. Church.

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Four Killed When Fireworks Blew Up newspaper clipping, page 1
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Four Killed When Fireworks Blew Up

An explosion of mysterious origin wrecked the Independent Fireworks Company plant at Ferry and Cooper avenues in Camden, killing four workmen and injuring others; officers of the company were arrested on manslaughter charges.

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Police Raid Camden House newspaper clipping
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Police Raid Camden House

Captain Stanley and a squad raided 212 Walnut Street, arresting alleged proprietress May Barber along with three men and four women; Barber was committed in default of $500 bail.

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Charles Watson Dead in Camden - 1904-03-31-inq
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Charles Watson Dead in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer - March 31, 1904 After several weeks' illness from progressive paralysis, Charles Watson , one of Camden's best-known citizens, died at his home at 223 Cooper street , shortly after 9 o'clock last night.

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New Camden Brewery, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 27, 1904
News Articles

New Camden Brewery

Joseph Baumgartner, of Sioux City, Iowa, has purchased two acres of land at Bulson Street and Chelten Avenue, Camden, N.J., from the Camden Manufacturers' Land Company for $20,000, upon which he intends to build a modern brewing plant.

·1 min read
Shipbuilders-Home-Building-and-Loan-Association
News Articles

Shipbuilders Home Building and Loan Association

A number of the officials and employes [sic] of the New York Shipbuiling [sic] Company have organized the Shipbuilders' Home Building and Loan Association by the election of the following officers: President, William J. Bradley ; vice president, Thomas J. Moore; secretary, John M. Kelly [sic] ; treasurer, Central Trust Company ; solicitor, E. G. C. Bleakly .

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