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 37

39th St street-name sign at Federal Street, Pennsauken, March 13, 2004
Streets

39th Street

Thirty-Ninth Street runs south from Jersey Avenue to Camden Avenue in East Camden, crossing Westfield Avenue and High Street. City directory and newspaper records document occupants of the 200, 300 and 400 blocks from 1924 to 1947.

·2 min read
Herman John King, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Florida
Streets

37th Street

Thirty-Seventh Street runs south from Jersey Avenue to Camden Avenue in East Camden, crossing Westfield Avenue and High Street. City directory and newspaper records document occupants of its 200, 300, and 400 blocks between 1900 and 1956.

·3 min read
Camden Deputy Fire Chief Godfrey Patterson and Fire Marshal George Baxter at the foot of 36th Street, 1964
Streets

36th Street

Thirty-Sixth Street runs from the Delaware River south, across River Road, to Federal Street, and forms Camden's northern border with Pennsauken Township at intervals along its length. It became part of Camden when Stockton Township was annexed in 1899, and had been known in Pennsauken as Cove Avenue into the 1890s.

·17 min read
Overcast residential street with bare trees, a blue Merriel street sign at the left, and three parked cars along the right curb
Streets

35th Street

35th Street runs from the Delaware River south to River Avenue, then resumes east of the Pavonia railroad switching yard and again beyond Westfield Avenue, reaching Federal Street and continuing three blocks to Highland Avenue at the Pennsauken border. It is North 35th Street above Federal and South 35th below.

·20 min read
Street view down South 34th Street with a brick corner store, Nuñez Grocery & Deli, on the right and a grassy lot on the left.
Streets

34th Street

34th Street runs from the Delaware River south to Highland Avenue at the Pennsauken border. It is North 34th Street above Federal and South 34th below.

·47 min read
1217 North 33rd Street
Streets

33rd Street

33rd Street runs from the Delaware River south to Highland Avenue at the Pennsauken border, interrupted by the Pavonia railroad switching yard and by a rail line at Rosedale Avenue. It is North 33rd Street above Federal Street and South 33rd below.

·12 min read
32nd Street at Farragut Avenue - 1931
Streets

32nd Street

32nd Street runs from the Delaware River through Cramer Hill and East Camden to the city limits at Highland Avenue, with North and South addresses dividing at Federal Street. At Westfield Avenue an acre of cultivated land and an old house called the "Mansion" were razed for the Westfield Acres housing project, which was itself razed in 2000 and replaced by Baldwin's Run.

·16 min read
1000 Block of North 31st Street, Cramer Hill, July 2006
Streets

31st Street

31st Street spans from the Delaware River through Cramer Hill and East Camden, with no addresses outside Cramer Hill since the early 1920s. It is North 31st Street above Federal and South 31st below.

·6 min read
Looking south on North 30th Street from Howell Street, December 27, 2005
Streets

30th Street

Thirtieth Street runs from the Delaware River south, across River Road to the Pavonia railroad switching yard, then to Westfield Avenue and on to Federal Street, and to the intersection of Line Street and Beacon Avenue, just above Waldorf Street. It is North 30th Street above Federal and South 30th below.

·11 min read
Black-and-white view down an unpaved street lined with bare trees, small wooden buildings and houses.
Streets

29th Street

29th Street runs from the Delaware River south across River Road to the Pavonia railroad yards, then from Pleasant Street to Westfield Avenue and from Federal Street to Clinton Street. It is North 29th Street above Federal and South 29th below.

·8 min read
1303, 1307–1309, and 1313 North 28th Street
Streets

28th Street

28th Street runs from the Delaware River south, across River Road to the Pavonia railroad switching yard, then to Westfield Avenue, Federal Street and Washington Street. It is North 28th Street above Federal and South 28th below.

·13 min read
Aerial view looking west from North 26th Street and Howell Street
Streets

26th Street

26th Street, originally called Union Street in the pre-annexation Pavonia section, runs through Cramer Hill and East Camden from the Delaware River to Bank and Mickle Streets. It was laid out before 1887 and renamed after Stockton Township was absorbed by Camden in 1899.

·21 min read