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 30

Edwin A. Stevens School
Schools

Edwin A. Stevens School

The Edwin A. Stevens School at 430 South 4th Street in Camden was built in 1867-1868 on land donated by Edwin A. Stevens; it closed in 1954 and was razed in 1956.

·2 min read
Cramer School - 2003
Schools

Alfred Cramer Elementary School

Alfred Cramer Elementary School at 2800 Mickle Street in East Camden opened in 1913 as the Eastside School and was later named for developer Alfred Cramer.

·2 min read
Sewell-School-Camden-NJ
Schools

William J. Sewell School

The William J. Sewell School at 700 North 7th Street in Camden opened in 1907, named for Civil War general and U.S. Senator William Joyce Sewell.

·4 min read
Second-Presbyterian-Church-Postcard
Schools

Central School

Central School, named for Camden's Middle Ward, opened in 1877 near South 4th Street; its building was razed by 1965 after the school's long decline.

·2 min read
570 Girard Place, photographed July 2012
Streets

Girard Place

Girard Place was a short, dead-end street running east from 916 St. John Street in Camden, NJ. First appearing in city directories in 1890 with eleven homes, it dwindled to a single occupied house at 570 Girard Place by 1980 before disappearing as a through street.

·2 min read
1891 Sanborn fire insurance map showing Gold Street and surrounding area
Streets

Gold Street

Gold Street was a small, secluded street in Camden, New Jersey, between South 8th Street and Silver Street, south of Line Street. First appearing in the 1888 City Directory, its six houses had dwindled to two occupied addresses by 1929, and the street vanished from the records after the 1930 Census.

·3 min read
Milton Street Parade - August 15, 1942
Streets

Milton Street

Milton Street, with Byron and Burns Streets, made up Camden's Poet's Row in North Camden; it was the northernmost of the three and the last to be completed in the late 19th century.

·2 min read
Streets

Riley Street

Riley Street ran south from Washington Street for one block to Berkley Street, with ten two-story brick rowhouses. City directories list residents from 1875, and by 1947 only four houses remained.

·1 min read
Streets

Simmons Court

Simmons Court is one of Camden's "lost streets." This page traces its history from Henry Simmons' purchase, before 1863, of the lots that became 240, 242 and 244 Division Street.

·2 min read
Two boys stand on a brick-paved sidewalk beside a brick building; the taller boy wears suspenders and knickers
Streets

Grant Street

Grant Street is a street in Camden, New Jersey, named after Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War hero and 18th President of the United States.

·3 min read