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 5

People

Mike Rozier

Mike Rozier was a star running back at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, won the 1983 Heisman Trophy at the University of Nebraska, and played seven years with the Houston Oilers.

·5 min read
Private William R. McKee — WWII memorial card
People

William R. McKee

William R. McKee of Mount Ephraim NJ served as a Private in the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was reported missing in action on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and was declared dead June 10, 1944. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery in Cambridge, England.

·2 min read
People

Dr. Milton H. Gordon

Dr. Milton H. Gordon was a Camden physician specializing in internal medicine and cardiology who practiced at offices on North 27th Street and the Wilson Building.

·2 min read
Louis R. Mote, 1111 North 23rd Street
People

Louis R. Mote

Louis Rodger Mote (1884–1939) owned a home at 1111 North 23rd Street in Cramer Hill and worked at one of Camden's shipyards before serving as Assistant Superintendent of Streets for the City of Camden under Mayor Winfield S. Price. He and his wife Louise were active in 11th Ward Republican politics.

·2 min read
Halftone newspaper portrait of a smiling young man, head and shoulders, identified as Frank J. Blair.
People

Frank J. Blair

Staff Sergeant Frank J. Blair (1921–1944) of 987 North 23rd Street in Cramer Hill was a June 1940 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School who served as a B-24 crewman with the 374th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Group, based at Kunming, China. He was killed in action on July 13, 1944, and is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

·2 min read
Baseball card portrait of Danny Green in a Chicago uniform, captioned GREEN, Fielder, Chicago, A.
People

Danny Green

Edward "Danny" Green (1876–1914) was born in Burlington County, New Jersey, played semipro baseball in Camden, and spent eight seasons in the major leagues with the Chicago Orphans and the Chicago White Stockings. One of the fastest players in the game, he was disabled after being hit in the head by a pitched ball and died at the Camden County Hospital at Blackwood in 1914.

·5 min read
Martin B. Carrigan
People

Martin Carrigan

Martin B. Carrigan, born in Pennsylvania in July 1872, was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in 1904, rose to Captain, and died in the line of duty on January 19, 1922 of injuries sustained fighting the Kaighn Avenue fire.

·3 min read
A. Wesley Faust, New Hanover Township Police Sergeant
People

A. Wesley Faust

Ambrose Wesley "Wes" Faust served with the Camden Fire Department from 1951 to 1961, and later became a police sergeant with New Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, where he died on duty in 1977.

·2 min read
Portrait of Samuel S. Buzine
People

Samuel S. Buzine

Samuel S. Buzine (1844–1917) was a founding member of Camden's first paid fire department in 1869, serving 42 years and rising to Assistant Chief Engineer.

·8 min read
F. Joseph Rouh, Camden justice of the peace
People

F. Joseph Rouh

F. Joseph Rouh was born in France around 1843 and came to America in the 1870s. He operated a saloon at 751 Ferry Avenue in Camden and served the Eighth Ward as a justice of the peace. He died on May 5, 1914.

·1 min read
Morris M. Odell, Camden firefighter, circa 1947
People

Morris M. Odell

Morris McMeekin Odell was born June 24, 1915 in Camden, New Jersey, and was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on July 31, 1941. He served as Battalion Chief's Aide and Chief Engineer's Aide before retiring around 1968. He died February 4, 1980.

·4 min read
drwesleyjbarrett-ww1-dc-1b
People

Dr. Wesley Barrett

Dr. Wesley Johnson Barrett was born in Guthriesville, Pennsylvania on May 20, 1874 and graduated from Hahneman Medical College in 1901. He came to Camden as a physician and rose to Chief of Surgery at West Jersey Hospital. He served as president of the Camden County Medical Society in 1930 and died in 1934.

·2 min read