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 405

Newspaper clipping with portraits of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Townsend and the text of their wedding notice
News Articles

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Townsend

William S. Townsend of 322 Penn Street, Camden, State Inspector of Food and Drugs, married Miss Nettie Harlan Marshall at Blackwood on December 25, 1902.

·1 min read
Short clipping about a woman fracturing her ankle in a fall from a step at 712 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia Inquirer, December 21, 1902.
News Articles

Woman Fractures Ankle in Fall From Step

Mary McDonald of Ferry Avenue and Mechanic Street fell from the step at 712 Woodland Avenue while returning a call, fractured her right ankle and was admitted to Cooper Hospital.

·1 min read
Louise Hogan Gets Thirty Days
News Articles

Louise Hogan Gets Thirty Days

Camden Post-Telegram - December 19, 1902 Louise Hogan was again in Police Court this morning - this time a defendant herself. After the release yesterday of Howard Starn, who Miss Hogan had accused of assault, she proceeded to get drunk.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: Woman Overcome by Deadly Gas, Camden Post-Telegram, November 28, 1902
News Articles

Woman Overcome by Deadly Gas

A slot gas meter nearly cost Mrs. Kate Brice of 50 Penn Street her life in November 1902, when gas poured into her bedroom through an open valve. Dr. Wills revived her after an hour's work.

·2 min read
John Pugh's Body Found in Creek, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 20, 1902.
News Articles

John Pugh's Body Found in Creek

Two boatmen found the body of John Pugh, 65, missing from 439 Viola Street, in Newton Creek with a paving block tied to his neck; his son-in-law Benjamin E. Mellor identified him and the coroner issued a certificate of suicide.

·2 min read
Camden Citizen Has Disappeared, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 19, 1902, with portrait of John Pugh.
News Articles

Camden Citizen Has Disappeared

John Pugh, 65, of 439 Viola Street, father-in-law of former City Council president Benjamin E. Mellor, disappeared from his home early in the morning, and police could not find him.

·1 min read
Newspaper article, Unraveling the Camden Mystery
News Articles

Unraveling the Camden Mystery

"Beyond all question the murderer of these little boys is now in jail and the public's anxiety can now be allayed," said Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd last night in making the first important statement concerning the tragedy of last week, when John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two Camden lads, were murdered in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights.

·3 min read
Paul A Woodward as shown in the Philadelphia Inquirer. 1902-10-09.
News Articles

Camden's Mystery Is Still Unsolved

It is now generally believed that the Camden county authorities have succeeded in establishing a clear case against young Paul Woodward, who is in the county jail, charged with the crime of taking away the lives of little John Coffin and Price Jennings.

·3 min read
Newspaper article with photographs, Woman Involved in Camden Mystery
News Articles

Woman Involved in Camden Mystery

While mystery apparently as absolute as ever still obscures the motive and the criminal in the case of John Houseman Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the unfortunate Camden lads whose trip to the country at Haddon Heights last Wednesday resulted so tragically, it is surmised from hints dropped now and again the matter may soon be cleared.

·4 min read
Newspaper article with photograph, Two Camden Boys Are Still Among Missing
News Articles

Two Camden Boys Are Still Among Missing

Nothing has yet been learned as to the whereabouts of John H. Coffin, the eleven-year-old son of William Coffin, division agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, fourteen years old, son of Joseph Jennings, leader of the Third Regiment Band, the two Camden boys who disappeared on Wednesday when they left, it is presumed, for the Trenton fair.

·1 min read
Newspaper article, Two Camden Boys Have Disappeared
News Articles

Two Camden Boys Have Disappeared

John Coffin, 11 years old, son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, 14 years, son of Leader Joseph Jennings, of the Third Regiment Band, are missing from their homes and the Camden police have been asked to locate them.

·1 min read