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!

Portrait of Anthony Douglas Moffa, Battalion Chief
People

Anthony Douglas Moffa

Camden Fire Department Battalion Chief who served the City of Camden for 38 years, rising from firefighter to battalion chief; a 1957 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.

·2 min read
Charles E. Watkin fire department personnel card, front
People

Charles E. Watkin

Charles E. Watkin Jr. (1879-1954) was a Camden Fire Department captain who served over 34 years, from his appointment on January 1, 1915 until his retirement on May 1, 1949.

·3 min read
Personal Sketches No. 4: Josiah Matlack, Camden County Courier, November 13, 1880
People

Josiah Matlack

Josiah Matlack served as Chief of Police of Camden from 1880 to 1886. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1830, he came to Camden as a young man, served on City Council, and was appointed police chief by Mayor Claudius W. Bradshaw.

·1 min read
Franks Sworn in as Chief, Camden Daily Courier, April 1, 1886
People

Harry H. Franks

Henry Houston "Harry" Franks served as Camden's Chief of Police from April 1, 1886 until his death on January 1, 1887. A Civil War veteran of the 25th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry and a tobacconist, he served as constable of the Third Ward before his appointment as chief.

·5 min read
People

Leonard E. Oshushek

Camden firefighter who served 32 years from 1941 to 1971, rising to Acting Battalion Chief. Son of Camden firefighter Samuel Oshushek.

·3 min read
Portrait of John T. Cleary
People

John T. Cleary

John T. Cleary (1890–1950) was a Camden attorney who served as assistant prosecutor in 1917, police court judge from 1922 to 1926, and was a charter member of Camden Post 7, American Legion.

·1 min read
Portrait of Edward C. Hahn, Camden Police Officer
People

Edward C. Hahn

Edward C. Hahn served in the Camden Police Department from 1922, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He died of a heart attack while on duty on April 2, 1944.

·1 min read
People

William Boettcher

William Boettcher Sr. (1887–1967) served with the Camden Police Department from around 1920, rising to detective and becoming the department's expert in Bertillon identification methods.

·2 min read
John L. Wible, East Camden Republican committeeman
People

John L. Wible

John Louis Wible (1885–1954) was a lifelong Camden resident and East Camden Republican leader — the first president of the East End Republican League and a county committeeman, active in Red Cross and Salvation Army campaigns.

·2 min read
Clay W. Reesman, 1926
People

Clay W. Reesman

Clay Wolf Reesman Jr. (c. 1884–1949) served as Camden City Commissioner (1927–1935) and Camden City Clerk (1936–1949), and chaired the Camden County Republican Committee.

·3 min read
Advertisement for Max Reihmann & Son, Roofing, Heating, Sheet Metal Contractors
People

Max Frederick Reihmann

Max Frederick Reihmann (b. 1861, Germany) came to Camden in 1889 and founded a sheet metal-working shop that became one of the city's leading concerns. He retired in 1913, passing the business to his sons Max Jr., Frederick, and Paul, and was active in Camden Masonic and civic life.

·3 min read
Pennsauken Polish Heroes War Memorial
Monuments

Polish Heroes War Memorial

The Polish Heroes War Memorial at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, N.J. (Park Drive and Route 130) unites three monuments — to Casimir Pulaski (1936, moved here 1984), Thaddeus Kosciusko (1984), and, since 1995, the members of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church of South Camden who died in World War II.

·5 min read