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 76

North 38th Street looking south from Federal Street, 2011
Streets

38th Street

Thirty-Eighth Street runs south from Jersey Avenue to Camden Avenue in East Camden, crossing Westfield Avenue and High Street, then picks up again for one block between Federal Street and Fremont Street.

·3 min read
Bar Stock Photo
Bars and Clubs

Bert's Cafe

Bert's Cafe, a bar at 1226 Broadway in Camden run by Bert Bottura from the late 1950s into the early 1970s, formerly Buradine's and later the Tender Trap.

·1 min read
Black-and-white photo of a stone and brick house with a gambrel roof and a porch sign reading "Boarding Meal", children seated on the porch.
Buildings

The Benjamin Cooper House

Benjamin Cooper Benjamin Cooper was the grandson of William Cooper, the first Englishman to settle in Camden. The house he built in 1734 was one of only two pre-Revolutionary War structures to survive standing and undamaged in 2012.

·11 min read
Camden-Oasis-Motel
Bars and Clubs

The Oasis Motel

2000 Admiral Wilson Boulevard began as the City Athletic Club, built after the Hotel Walt Whitman and the opening of the boulevard drew Camden business figures including newspaper publisher J. David Stern to develop the new thoroughfare, before the building's later lives as the YMCA and, from the 1960s, the Oasis Motel and Lounge.

·3 min read
Walt Whitman
People

Walt Whitman

WALT WHITMAN, Camden's "Good Grey Poet," the life of whom a subject that has been written on at length by many.

·2 min read
Ditch Stock Photo
Streets

Liney Ditch

Liney Ditch takes its name from Line Ditch, a.k.a. Little Newton Creek, a.k.a. Kaighn's Run, a stream located in South Camden . This stream originated out near 10th Street at one time.

·2 min read
Camden Family Wash Laundry at 1037–1039 North 6th Street, Camden NJ
Streets

6th Street

Sixth Street runs with few interruptions from the Delaware River to Morgan Street, virtually the length of the city, from North Camden south almost all the way to Gloucester City.

·31 min read
East-End-Trust-Company-1927
Banks

East End Trust Company

East End Trust Company, a Camden bank organized in 1905 that opened in 1920 and built at 2614-2616 Federal Street before merging with Camden Trust by 1936.

·1 min read