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 342

3000 At Camden - 1918-09-29
News Articles

3,000 At Camden

Spanish influenza attacks workers in New Jersey shipyards Camden, N.J., Sept. 28.

·1 min read
Camden Athlete Badly Wounded in France — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 24, 1918
News Articles

Camden Athlete Badly Wounded in France

William Gooch, an East Camden athlete of 67 South 29th Street, was severely wounded in France. One of eight orphan children, he enlisted in the heavy field artillery in December and trained at Camp Greene, N.C., before deploying with Frank Carver.

·1 min read
World War I draft registration card of George Morris Clayton, Camden policeman, September 12, 1918
News Articles

World War I Draft Card

World War I draft registration card of George Morris Clayton, a 33-year-old Camden policeman of 821 Division Street, registered September 12, 1918 with Local Board No. 3.

·1 min read
Hold Woman's Assailant
News Articles

Hold Woman's Assailant

Jacob Ballerstein, 47, of 1149 Baring Street, held in $200 bail for assault and battery on Mrs. Rebecca Hoffman after striking her with a broom near a saloon on Second Street and Kaighn Avenue.

·1 min read
Special Sale classified notice for the contents of Turner Hall, Camden Post-Telegram, August 21, 1918
News Articles

Special Sale

An August 1918 classified notice offers the contents of Turner Hall on Pine Street, Camden, for sale cheap, including two pool tables, two pianos and bar fixtures.

·1 min read
Special Notice of a Turnhalle Baufond Gesellschaft meeting, Camden Post-Telegram, August 8, 1918
News Articles

Special Notice

An August 1918 special notice calls a meeting of the certificate holders of the Turnhalle Baufond Gesellschaft to authorize the sale of Turner Hall, 516 to 522 Pine Street, Camden.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 22, 1918 — Boys Find Charred Body in Fire Ruins
News Articles

Boys Find Charred Body in Fire Ruins

A lamp explosion in a barn behind 751 Ferry Avenue killed Michael Errieski; Patrolman Karl Quinton saved a horse and a family from the spreading fire, which gutted Mrs. Jennie Stevenson's home at 1848 Kossuth Street.

·2 min read
Here and There in Camden, Philadelphia Inquirer clipping of July 17, 1918, with five short local news items
News Articles

Here and There in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer Camden briefs of July 17, 1918: lawyer Joseph Carr inducted into the service, four-year-old Frank Harris of 329 Liberty Street injured with a hatchet, Levering Minister leaving Engine Co. No. 4 for a shipyard job, and William Michalak appointed to the mounted police squad.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, June 30, 1918 -- Police Arrest New Camden Storekeeper
News Articles

Police Arrest New Camden Storekeeper

Policeman Charles Whaland locates fugitive embezzler Benjamin Landersman, running a Princess Avenue store under an alias; Captain of Detectives Schregler reports his confession.

·2 min read
Newspaper clipping: Clifford Grundy loses a finger in a machine at the Victor Talking Machine Company
News Articles

Clifford Grundy loses a finger

Clifford Grundy, 23, of 61 Penn street, lost a finger in a machine at the Victor Talking Machine Company plant and was treated at Cooper Hospital.

·1 min read
Veterans Carried Pall newspaper clipping
News Articles

Veterans Carried Pall

Surviving members of Company G, Twelfth Regiment — Arthur C. Stanley among them — served as pall-bearers at the Camden funeral of Dr. Henry F. Chew, the regiment's Civil War lieutenant colonel.

·1 min read