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!

Central-Airport-Fly-under-the-auspices-of-your-Ford-dealer
Airports

Central Airport and Airport Circle

Central Airport in Pennsauken, the Delaware Valley's main airport from 1929 to 1940, and the Airport Circle it gave its name to near Camden, New Jersey.

·6 min read
Jewelry Jeweler Stock Photo
Jewelers

Leo's Quality Jewelers

401 Broadway One of the many Jewish business owners who were a part of Camden NJ in its glory days was Leo Spector.

·1 min read
When-Knighthood-Was-in-Flower-John-Dooley-1922
People

John Dooley

John Dooley was a comedic acrobat who starred on the B.F. Keith vaudeville circuit in the 1900's and 1910s. Amongst other performances, he was part of Tydeman & Dooley .

·5 min read
Jersey Joe Walcott and Felix Bocchicchio
People

Felix Bocchicchio

Born on August 31, 1906, in Pennsylvania, Felix Bocchicchio left a lasting imprint on boxing history as the manager of Jersey Joe Walcott , particularly during his remarkable ascent to becoming the heavyweight champion in the late 1940s and early 1950s. However, Bocchicchio's life was filled with diverse and often controversial endeavors, both within and outside the boundaries of the law.

·4 min read
Felix Bocchicchio FBI Rap Sheet
Historical Accounts

Felix Bocchicchio - FBI Rap Sheet

NAME: Felix Bocchicchio ALIASES: William Arthur Trevers, John J. Bartlet. DESCRIPTION: Born 1907, U.S., 5'7," 145 lbs., slender build, dark brown hair, brown eyes, dark complexion, has stiff right leg, old bullet wound.

·1 min read
Postcard of Walt Whitman House Camden NJ
Historic Homes

The Walt Whitman House

The Walt Whitman House at 328 Mickle Street (now MLK Blvd) in Camden, the poet's final home and a National Register of Historic Places landmark.

·2 min read
Cooper Hospital - 1890
Hospitals

Cooper Hospital

Cooper's roots can be traced to the mid-1870s, when Richard M. Cooper, MD, and members of his extended family donated money and land bounded by Mickle Street (now Martin Luther King Boulevard ), Benson Street , 6th Street , and 7th Street for a new hospital.

·2 min read
Poets-Row-Fire-1-1972-08-23
Poets Row

Poet's Row

Poet's Row, the Byron, Burns and Milton Street homes in North Camden built in the 1890s and largely destroyed by a catastrophic 1972 fire.

·4 min read
Camden-Electrical-Bureau-Repairman-Badge
Government

Electrical Bureau, Camden NJ

My father worked for the Electrical Bureau in Camden for 30 years, from approximately 1973 (I think) to when he retired in 2004. He has since passed and I have been maintaining his website on his behalf, until which time it makes sense not to.

·3 min read
Abraham Lincoln - Stock Photo
Historical Accounts

Camden, NJ, Abraham Lincoln Lore

Honest Abe almost lost Camden City in 1864: 3332 to 2758 votes for McClellan. Abraham Lincoln in Camden on successive nights in June, 1862:—"President Lincoln passed through this city (Camden) on Tuesday night last on his way to West Point.

·2 min read
Memory Stock Photo
Historical Accounts

20 Reasons Why You Remember Cramer Hill

by Maria Miriam At night, you parked at the Submarine Races at the Cooper River Parkway. The scariest thing at the races was your date. You know what a Package Goods store is. You know which were opened on Sunday.

·2 min read