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 406

Found Body at Foot of Stairs — 1049 Diamond Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 29, 1902
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Found Body at Foot of Stairs

Coroner Litchfield investigated the death of Frank Taianoski, a Polish miner found at the foot of the stairs at 1049 Diamond Street, as five Hungarian men were held on suspicion.

·2 min read
Human Bones Found on Camden Meadows newspaper clipping
News Articles

Human Bones Found on Camden Meadows

Human bones found on the meadows near Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue were traced by Detective Hart and Captain of Police Stanley to a medical student who had left them in a building.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping headlined Arthur M. Sitley Stricken in Camden
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Arthur M. Sitley Stricken in Camden

Dr. Francis J. Bickers, of 1701 Fillmore Street, saw an elderly man fall from a stroke of apoplexy on Broadway near Vanhook Street; the man was recognized as Arthur M. Sitley, of 506 Broadway, founder of Sitley & Son's grain elevator at Sixth and Chelten Avenue, and his condition was critical.

·1 min read
Four Tossed from an Automobile - Philadelphia Inquirer - 1902-09-06
News Articles

Four Tossed from an Automobile

Camden Letter Carrier's Machine Ran Away and Its Occupants Were Cut and Bruised Harry Reir, a well known Camden letter carrier, with his wife, a small son and a sister, was thrown from an automobile at Delaware avenue and Market street , Camden, last night and all were more or less cut and bruised.

·1 min read
Camden Notes newspaper clipping
News Articles

Camden Notes — September 6, 1902

A column of Camden briefs for September 6, 1902, opening with Captain Arthur Stanley's appointment as aide-de-camp to State Commander Hann of the New Jersey G.A.R.

·2 min read
Camden Police Raid Alleged Speak-Easy newspaper clipping
News Articles

Camden Police Raid Alleged Speak-Easy

Captain Stanley and a squad raided an alleged speak-easy at the foot of Jackson Street, capturing Patrick Holden and two others; several hundred onlookers gathered and most of the inmates escaped.

·1 min read
Held on Riot Charge, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 1902
News Articles

Held on Riot Charge

Chester Gandy, Walter Bunting and Ernest Schuesse were arrested in Camden charged with inciting to riot after a disturbance at an Indian show at Broadway and Viola Street.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: Wright Cox, an ex-fireman of Camden, held in bail for assaulting fireman Robert Colkett
News Articles

Wright Cox Held for Assault

Wright Cox, an ex-fireman of Camden, was held in $600 bail by Justice Schmitz on a charge of assaulting suspended fireman Robert Colkett near Second and Federal streets, after an argument over the Third ward primary election results.

·1 min read
Newspaper article, Held for Morrison's Death
News Articles

Held for Morrison's Death

James Bland has been held responsible for the murder of John Morrison at the Camden primaries of Monday night by a coroner's jury.

·1 min read
Camden Post-Telegram clipping, July 17, 1902: Two Camden Women Were Refused Divorces
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Two Camden Women Were Refused Divorces

The Court of Chancery dismissed Mary E. Shaw's divorce suit against Policeman Albert Shaw and refused a divorce to Mrs. William Sand, wife of a Haddon avenue saloon keeper, on a charge of brutality.

·1 min read
She Dared Men to Touch the “Pants” newspaper clipping, page 1
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She Dared Men to Touch the "Pants"

Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 — page 1 Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 — page 2 Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 — page 2 Camden Woman Planted a Pole, Decorated It With Pair Trousers and Flourished a Revolver Flourishing a revolver and exclaiming, "I'll kill the first man who touches those pants; this is fair warning to everybody, for I mean what I say!" Mrs. Louisa Traubel, of 807 Broadway, Camden, yesterday held up work on the addition being erected to the Gately and Hurley Company's department store at Broadway and Spruce streets.

·2 min read
Camden Daily Courier front page, July 7, 1902: Col. Felton Committed Suicide in His Office
News Articles

Col. Felton Committed Suicide in His Office

Col. George G. Felton, real estate dealer and former City Treasurer, was found dead of gas in his office in the Felton building at Second and Federal streets. The same Camden Daily Courier column reported the sudden death of Walter C. Fish, florist of Broadway and Spruce streets.

·7 min read