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 439

Philadelphia Inquirer, February 11, 1890 -- The Camden Primaries
News Articles

The Camden Primaries

A hard-fought night of Republican primaries in Camden, with contests in seven wards — including Frank H. Burdsall's near-certain City Council nomination in the Second Ward — followed by the full slate of ward nominees.

·3 min read
Camden's News Budget column, Philadelphia Inquirer, December 16, 1889, on a would-be suicide and a christening brawl
News Articles

Camden's News Budget

Philadelphia Inquirer - December 16, 1889. Adolph Meyers, of 1109 Emma street, who attempted to kill himself late Saturday night, is locked up at the City Hall; a christening at Mount Ephraim and Kaighn avenues ends in a free fight.

·2 min read
Attacked With a Butcher Knife, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 12, 1889, about William McCann of 124 Taylor Avenue.
News Articles

Attacked With a Butcher Knife

William McCann of 124 Taylor Avenue came home drunk, slashed at his son Robert with a butcher knife and cut neighbor John Tweedy, who had come to quiet the fight. Officer Harry Miller arrested him.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, August 9, 1889: By His Victim's Bedside, a dying man identifies Andrew Eckert as his murderer.
News Articles

By His Victim's Bedside.

A dying Thomas McDonough, of Eighth and Mountain streets, Camden, identifies Andrew Eckert as the man who stabbed him at Beideman's station, in a bedside declaration at the Pennsylvania Hospital.

·1 min read
Young Republicans of Camden
News Articles

Young Republicans of Camden

Colonel U. G, Lee, of the Young Republicans of Camden, has appointed the following staff officers; Adjutant, William D. Brown : quartermaster, W. Harry Smith; paymaster, Frank S. Helster; surgeon, Dr. Jones; quartermaster-sergeant, Robert Smith, The company officers elected are as follows: Company A - Captain, Frank C., Somers; first Lieutentant, William E. Andrews; second lieutenant, Edward H. Mundy.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: "Accidents of the Day", Philadelphia Inquirer, July 5, 1889
News Articles

Accidents of the Day

The Philadelphia Inquirer of July 5, 1889 lists five Fourth of July firearm and firework victims admitted to Cooper Hospital in Camden, including Edward Weston of 747 Berkley Street, who suffered a lacerated hand from a cannon shot.

·1 min read
Lively-Board-of-Ed-Meeting
News Articles

Lively Board of Ed Meeting

Philadelphia Inquirer - July 2, 1889 There was a lively time at the meeting of the Camden Board of Education last night. It was caused by the increasing of the janitors' salaries, which was done after a debate of nearly an hour.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: His New Wife Found Him Out, Philadelphia Inquirer, May 13, 1889
News Articles

His New Wife Found Him Out

A bride of two weeks, Maggie Morris of Pine Street, discovers that her husband Lewis K. Robinson already has a wife in Philadelphia, and he is arrested for bigamy.

·1 min read
News in Camden County column, Philadelphia Inquirer, April 2, 1889
News Articles

News in Camden County

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Camden County roundup of April 2, 1889: Mrs. Rebecca Wright, mother-in-law of City Recorder Braker, dies at 255 Kaighn avenue aged 85, and Walter Kelly is committed as the burglar who stole $339 and a gold watch from John Dugan of Front and Pearl streets.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, March 13, 1889: Politicians in a Fight.
News Articles

Politicians in a Fight.

Philadelphia Inquirer - March 13, 1889. Democrats and Republicans shed blood in a Camden magistrate's office: there was almost a riot in the office of 'Squire Davis, on Kaighn avenue below Broadway.

·2 min read