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 424

Newspaper item reporting the marriage of Carrie Foulon to William George Maguire, Philadelphia Inquirer, January 22, 1897
News Articles

Over in Camden

The Philadelphia Inquirer of January 22, 1897, reported that Miss Carrie Foulon was married to William George Maguire by Rev. William Dayton Roberts at her parents' home, 524 Federal Street, Camden.

·1 min read
Licenses Transferred, Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, January 14, 1897
News Articles

Licenses Transferred

A January 1897 Philadelphia Inquirer report of liquor license transfers granted by the Camden board, including Caroline Hoelzle's to John S. Smith, and Commissioner Cooper's complaint about Xavier Schnurr's fine before Mayor Westcott.

·1 min read
Inquirer boxing notes (no headline printed) previewing Kid Lavigne vs. Owen Ziegler and the preliminaries including Dan McConnell
News Articles

Boxing News

There is plenty of good boxing scheduled for this week. To-night Kid Lavigne will meet Owen Ziegler at the Winter Circus.

·1 min read
Big Wall Blown Down — Philadelphia Inquirer, January 6, 1897
News Articles

Big Wall Blown Down

A section of a three-and-a-half-story wall at the Camden Lighting and Heating Company's new boiler house on Cooper's Creek was blown down by a gust of wind, injuring night watchman John Mathis of Division Street.

·1 min read
Camden Looks After Friendless Children - 1897-01-04
News Articles

Camden Looks After Friendless Children

Santa Visits Them Despite War, Many Churches Hold Christmas Services Camden's generous spirited citizens have responded to the appeal that was made by the Camden Home for Friendless Children , whose youthful inmates were threatened with having a very lean sort of a visit from Santa Claus.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, "New Year's Day Over in Camden," on the 1897 mummers' parades and New Year's charity
News Articles

New Year's Day Over in Camden

Camden's mummers turned out in greater force than ever on New Year's Day 1897, as the George S. Dilmore, Fireside and J. H. Trainer New Year's associations paraded and crossed to Philadelphia to compete for prizes, while the Y.M.C.A. on Federal street kept open house and "Long John" Gallagher fed the poor of South Camden.

·3 min read
Biographical sketch of David Baird, Camden lumber dealer and Sheriff, Biographical Review, 1897
News Articles

David Baird

Biographical Review, 1897, profile of David Baird, born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1839, who ran a large lumber yard at Pearl and Front Streets in Camden and served as Sheriff and Freeholder.

·1 min read
123 Arch Street - John Hertlein and 329 Arch Street - Rumpf - Camden Post January 29 1878
News Articles

Malt License

An 1897 Camden Post-Telegram report of the malt-drink licenses granted and refused by the Court of Common Pleas, including Henry Garren at 27 South 4th Street.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: Mary E. Gibbs arrested, Joint Alley, Philadelphia Inquirer, December 27, 1896
News Articles

Mary E. Gibbs Arrested

Mary E. Gibbs of Joint Alley was jailed in December 1896, charged with cutting William E. Allison of 232 Spruce Street during a knife quarrel.

·1 min read
County-Collector-Ivins-Wiped-Out
News Articles

County Collector Ivins Wiped Out

County Collector Ivins wiped out every penny of the floating indebtedness of Camden county yesterday upon the payment of a $5000 note due the Central Trust Company.

·1 min read
Hat Thieves Caught, Camden Daily Courier, December 18, 1896
News Articles

Hat Thieves Caught

Police Officer Hyde captures Charles Monroe and Alfred Robinson of 705 Baxter Street for stealing two hats from William Ross at Fourth and Kaighn Avenue.

·1 min read