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!

Golfers Contribute Money to Participate in United Fund Tournament
People

Wilfred L. Dube

Wilfred L. Dube entered the world on July 17, 1906, born in New York to Frank and Amanda Dube. Frank Dube, a machinist, had moved the family from an English-speaking province of Canada to New York in 1892.

·2 min read
Byron P Cobb - 1933-06-04
People

Byron P. Cobb

Byron P. Cobb was born in Maryland in 1874. In the early 1900s, he entered marital bliss with Anna M. Capwell, and they welcomed a son, Byron Jr., around 1905.

·1 min read
Earl-Stopfer-Draft-Card
People

Earl Stopfer

Earl Stopfer, born on March 29, 1899, in Philadelphia, PA, initially lived with his grandmother, Elaine Basert, in 1910.

·2 min read
Rear Admiral Bowman Hendry McCalla
People

Bowman Hendry McCalla

Rear Admiral Bowman Hendry McCalla was born on June 19, 1844, in Camden, New Jersey. He grew up in the city, the son of Mary Duffield Hendry and Auley McCalla.

·6 min read
Uncle Sam - Stock Photo
People

John A. Mather Jr.

General John Atkinson Mather Jr. was born on July 17, 1865, in Gloucester City, NJ , to John and Luisa Wallace Dawson Mather.

·2 min read
Garrett Cowls
People

Garrett Cowls

Garrett Cowls was born in Camden on August 1, 1850, to William and Mary Cowls. His father worked for the railroad. Although Garret Cowls was too young to take part in the Civil War, he did serve in the United States Army during the Indian Wars.

·3 min read
Dominick Oliveto - 1969-01-28
People

Dominick Oliveto

Dominick Oliveto, born on December 24, 1906, in New Jersey, was born to Italian immigrants Antonio and Maria Oliveto. Despite occasional misspellings of his surname as "Olivetto," his father, Antonio, migrated from Muro Lucano, Italy, in 1901.

·3 min read
1909 and 1911 Kossuth Street, May 29, 2012
Streets

Kossuth Street

Kossuth Street ran south through South Camden from Van Hook Street to the railroad tracks; named for the Hungarian revolutionary Louis Kossuth, much of it was razed in the 1950s for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Manor and Chelton Terrace public housing projects.

·8 min read
General Gas Mantle Company - Jefferson Street - 1926
Streets

Jefferson Avenue

Jefferson Avenue, also called Jefferson Street, runs from the Delaware River east to South 10th Street in Camden, one block north of Chelton Avenue; construction of I-676 severed the street, wiping out all structures east of the railroad tracks to Master Street.

·8 min read
East Camden Map - 1946
Streets

Jersey Avenue

Jersey Avenue runs northeast from North 36th Street in East Camden to the city limits at North 42nd Street, with no houses or businesses along its length.

·1 min read