Camden, New Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Camden, New Jersey
City
Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront Camden Federal Courthouse Camden City Hall Campbell Soup Company headquarters Rutgers University–Camden
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  In a Dream, I Saw a City Invincible
Location of Camden in Camden County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Camden County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (left).
Camden, New Jersey Location in Camden County, New Jersey Show map of Camden County, New Jersey Camden, New Jersey Location in New Jersey Show map of New Jersey Camden, New Jersey Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Camden
Settled	1626
Incorporated	February 13, 1828
Named for	Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden
Government
• Type	Faulkner Act (mayor–council)
• Body	City Council
Area
• Total	10.34 sq mi (26.78 km2)
• Land	8.92 sq mi (23.10 km2)
• Water	1.42 sq mi (3.68 km2)  13.75%
Area rank	208th of 565 in state 7th of 37 in county
Elevation	16 ft (5 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	71,791
• Estimate  (2023)	71,100
• Rank	532nd in country (as of 2023) 14th of 565 in state 2nd of 37 in county
• Density	8,047.4/sq mi (3,107.1/km2)
• Density rank	50th of 565 in state 2nd of 37 in county
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Codes	08101–08105
Area code(s)	856
FIPS code	3400710000
GNIS feature ID	0885177

Camden is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, in the United States. It's part of the Delaware Valley area. The city was officially started on February 13, 1828. Since 1844, Camden has been the main city, or county seat, of Camden County. It was named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden. Camden has more than 20 neighborhoods and is part of the South Jersey region.

Camden grew a lot thanks to big companies like RCA Victor, Campbell's Soup Company, and New York Shipbuilding Corporation. These companies were once major employers. Later, they moved away, looking for cheaper workers. In recent years, Camden has worked hard to improve itself. It has started many projects to rebuild and help the community.

Some of these projects include making the waterfront area better. This brought three fun places for visitors: the USS New Jersey, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, and the Adventure Aquarium. Camden is also home to important schools and hospitals. These include Rutgers University–Camden, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Cooper University Hospital, and Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Camden County College and Rowan University also have campuses here. These "eds and meds" (education and medical) places provide about 45% of all jobs in Camden.

The city has also seen a big drop in crime. Changes to the police force in 2013 helped a lot. By 2021, violent crime was much lower than in the 1990s. It was at its lowest level since the 1960s. Overall crime reports in 2020 were also much lower than in 1974.

Camden's History: A Journey Through Time

Early Beginnings: Native Americans and European Settlers

The area where Camden is now was first home to the Lenape people. They lived here for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

Between 1623 and 1627, a Dutch officer named Captain Cornelius Jacobsen May built Fort Nassau. This fort was where the Delaware River met Big Timber Creek. It was used by the Dutch for fur trading. Later, the British also became interested in the area.

In 1664, King Charles II of England created the new colony of Province of New Jersey. This land was later sold to Quakers, who were looking for a place to practice their religion freely. They settled in the area in the late 1600s and early 1700s. They were promised religious freedom, fair taxes, and a say in government.

Colonial Times and the Revolutionary War

As more Quakers settled, the Lenape population declined. A ferry system across the Delaware River helped trade grow between Fort Nassau and Philadelphia. In 1773, Jacob Cooper helped develop the area that became Camden. It was named after Charles Pratt, the Earl of Camden.

During the American Revolutionary War, Camden was held by the British. This slowed down the village's growth.

Becoming a City: Growth and Railroads

In the 19th century, Camden changed a lot. It grew from a transportation hub into a busy city. Camden officially became a city on February 13, 1828.

In 1830, the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company was started. This railroad connected New York City to Philadelphia. Passengers would take the train to Camden's waterfront, then a ferry across the Delaware River to Philadelphia. The railroad opened in 1834. This led to a big increase in people and businesses in Camden.

Industrial Boom: Factories and Big Companies

Around the early 1900s, Camden's industries grew very fast. Companies like the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor), New York Shipbuilding Corporation, and Campbell Soup Company were huge employers. They sometimes hired tens of thousands of people. Camden's location on the Delaware River was perfect for building ships.

In 1926, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge opened. This bridge connected New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It helped reduce ferry traffic between Philadelphia and Camden.

During the 1930s Great Depression, Camden's strong industries helped it avoid bankruptcy. World War II made the New York Shipbuilding Company the biggest shipyard in the world. Many African Americans moved to Camden from the South to work in factories during the war.

Changes and Challenges: Industry Slows Down

After World War II, manufacturing slowed down. Many industries moved away, and jobs were lost. By the 1950s, companies like Campbell's Soup and RCA Victor started moving their production out of Camden. The New York Shipbuilding Company closed in 1967.

During this time, many white residents moved to the suburbs. This was called "white flight." It led to changes in the city's population.

Camden Today: Revitalization and New Growth

Efforts to rebuild Camden started in the 1980s. In 2013, the state offered special incentives for companies to move to Camden. New projects included improving the Waterfront, building the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex, and the Subaru of America headquarters.

Today, Camden's economy focuses on education and healthcare. Institutions like Cooper University Hospital, Rowan University, and Rutgers University–Camden are the biggest employers. This "eds and meds" industry helps Camden grow and create new opportunities.

Camden's Culture and Community

Camden's history as an industrial city shaped its unique neighborhoods and cultural groups. The city is home to important landmarks. These include the Walt Whitman House, where the famous poet lived. There's also the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center and the Camden Children's Garden. The Camden County Historical Society helps preserve the city's past.

After industries declined, many people moved away. New African American and Latino citizens moved in, reshaping Camden's communities. Many non-profit groups, like Hopeworks, were formed to help the city move forward.

Diverse Communities in Camden

The Black Community has been a key part of Camden since it was founded. They have greatly contributed to the city's culture. Corinne's Place, a Black-owned soul food restaurant, opened in 1989.

The Hispanic and Latino Community has also grown a lot in recent years. They have a long history in Camden. Puerto Rican Unity for Progress, started in 1976, helps the Hispanic community in the city.

Arts and Entertainment in Camden

The arts have always been important in Camden. In the early 1900s, the Victor Talking Machine Company made Camden a center for music and new entertainment ideas. Famous singers like Russ Columbo and Lola Falana were born here. Today, many groups and individuals help support the arts in Camden.

Faith and Helping Others

Camden has many religious places, including churches and mosques. These often have non-profit groups and community centers. The Newton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Masjid are active congregations.

Father Michael Doyle, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, has been very important in Camden's history. He was part of the Camden 28, a group that protested the Vietnam War. He is known for his poetry and activism. Father Doyle and Sacred Heart Church work to connect people from different areas.

In 1982, Father Mark Aita started St. Luke's Catholic Medical Services. This was the first medical system in Camden that didn't use rotating doctors. It has grown to help thousands of Camden residents.

Giving Back: Philanthropy in Camden

Camden has a long history of charity. The city's first families were Quakers, who cared for orphans and helped runaway slaves. They founded homes like the Camden Home for Friendless Children in 1865. They also opened the West Jersey Colored Orphanage in 1874.

Many non-profit groups in Camden help residents with health and social services. These services are often free or low-cost. These organizations help people in need and work to improve the community.

Camden's Economy: Jobs and Businesses

About 45% of jobs in Camden are in the "eds and meds" sector. This means jobs in education and medical institutions.

Camden has some of the lowest property taxes in its county. This can make it more affordable for residents.

Major Employers in Camden

Some of the biggest employers in Camden include:

• Campbell Soup Company
• Cooper University Hospital
• Delaware River Port Authority
• L3Harris Technologies
• Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
• Rutgers University–Camden
• State of New Jersey
• Subaru of America (moved from Cherry Hill in 2018)
• UrbanPromise Ministry (a large private employer of teenagers)

Special Business Zones

Parts of Camden are in an Urban Enterprise Zone. This program gives benefits to companies that create jobs there. Shoppers can also pay a lower sales tax rate (3.3125%) at eligible stores. This is half of the regular state sales tax. This program helps encourage businesses and jobs in the city.

Geography and Neighborhoods of Camden

Camden covers about 10.34 square miles. Most of this is land, with some water.

Camden is next to several towns in Camden County. It also sits across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cooper River flows through Camden, and Newton Creek forms part of its southern border.

Camden's Many Neighborhoods

Camden has more than 20 neighborhoods. Each has its own unique character. Some of these include:

• Ablett Village
• Bergen Square
• Beideman
• Broadway
• Centerville
• Center City/Downtown Camden
• Central Waterfront
• Cooper
• Cooper Grant
• Cooper Point
• Cramer Hill
• Dudley
• East Camden
• Fairview
• Gateway
• Kaighn Point
• Lanning Square
• Liberty Park
• Marlton
• Morgan Village
• North Camden
• Parkside
• Pavonia
• Pyne Point
• Rosedale
• South Camden/Waterfront South
• Stockton
• Walt Whitman Park
• Yorkship

The Vibrant Camden Waterfront

The Waterfront has always been a key part of Camden. It was once home to large shipyards. Since the 1990s, it has become a symbol of the city's rebirth.

The waterfront has three main attractions: the USS New Jersey, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, and the Adventure Aquarium. It also hosts the Wiggins Park Riverstage and Marina, and the Camden Children's Garden. Many businesses, like American Water, also have their headquarters here.

Camden's Port: A Hub for Trade

The Port of Camden is on the Delaware River, with access to the Atlantic Ocean. It handles many types of cargo, like wood products, cocoa, and fresh goods. It's one of the largest shipping centers in the USA for these items.

Homes in Camden

The most common type of home in Camden is a rowhouse, similar to those in Philadelphia. Groups like the Saint Josephs Carpenter Society have helped fix up many homes in the city.

Camden is also home to Yorkship Village (now Fairview). This was the first planned community in the U.S. that was federally funded for working-class families. It was designed with a "garden city" idea, like those in England.

Camden's Climate

Camden has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot summers and cool to cold winters.

Education in Camden: Learning and Growing

Public Schools in Camden

Camden's public schools are run by the Camden City School District. The state helps pay for school building and renovation projects in these districts. In the 2020–21 school year, there were 19 schools and over 7,500 students.

High schools in the district include:

• Brimm Medical Arts High School
• Camden Big Picture Learning Academy
• Camden High School
• Creative Arts Academy
• Eastside High School
• Pride Academy

Charter and Renaissance Schools

In 2012, a law allowed "renaissance schools" to open in Camden. These schools are run by charter companies but enroll students from the local neighborhood. This makes them a mix of charter and public schools. Groups like Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Uncommon Schools, and Mastery Schools opened renaissance schools in Camden.

Students can choose to stay at their school as it changes to a renaissance school or go to another option. Many students in Camden attend these charter or renaissance schools. A new Camden High School building is planned to open in 2021.

Charter Schools

• Camden's Promise Charter School
• Environment Community Opportunity (ECO) Charter School
• Freedom Prep Charter School
• Hope Community Charter School
• LEAP Academy University Charter School

Renaissance Schools

• Uncommon Schools Camden Prep
• KIPP Cooper Norcross
  • Lanning Square Primary School
  • Lanning Square Middle School
  • Whittier Middle School
• Mastery Schools of Camden
  • Cramer Hill Elementary
  • Molina Lower Elementary
  • Molina Upper Elementary
  • East Camden Middle
  • Mastery High School of Camden
  • McGraw Elementary

Private Education

Several K–8 elementary schools in Camden are Catholic schools. These include Holy Name School, Sacred Heart Grade School, and St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral School. They are part of the Catholic Partnership Schools.

Higher Education: Colleges and Universities

Camden is home to several colleges and universities:

• Camden County College – one of its main campuses.
• Rowan University at Camden – a satellite campus.
• Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (opened in 2012).
• Rutgers University–Camden – one of the three main Rutgers campuses. It includes the Camden College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, and Law School.
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) – affiliated with Cooper University Hospital.
• Coriell Institute for Medical Research – also affiliated with Cooper University Hospital and Rowan University.

Libraries in Camden

Camden once had two Carnegie libraries. The city's library system faced financial problems but was later joined with the county system. The main branch reopened in the Paul Robeson Library at Rutgers University.

Camden also has three academic libraries for college students.

Sports in Camden

Camden Athletic Complex

The Camden Athletic Complex was finished in 2022. It has a baseball field, a track and field area, a soccer field, and a lacrosse field. This complex is used for city recreation and for NCAA Division III sports teams from Rutgers University.

Philadelphia 76ers Training Facility

The Philadelphia 76ers basketball team built their training facility on the Camden Waterfront. It opened in 2016. The facility has two full-size basketball courts, a weight room, a hydrotherapy room, medical facilities, and a film room. It helps the team train and prepare.

Transportation in Camden: Getting Around

Public Transportation Options

The Walter Rand Transportation Center is a major hub for public transport in Camden. It opened in 1989. You can catch many NJ Transit buses here. These buses offer affordable and quick rides to Philadelphia and other nearby cities. The center also has Greyhound Lines buses for longer trips across the country.

The Walter Rand Transportation Center also connects to two train systems: the River Line and PATCO.

The River Line is a light rail service that started in 2004. It connects cities along the Delaware River, from North Camden to Trenton. There are four stops in Camden, including at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and Rutgers University.

The PATCO Speedline offers frequent train service to Philadelphia and the suburbs in Camden County. It runs 24 hours a day. PATCO uses special paper tickets or reusable plastic cards.

The RiverLink Ferry is a passenger ferry that crosses the Delaware River. It connects the Camden Water Front with Philadelphia's Penn's Landing. The ferry runs from May through September, and on weekends in April and October. It provides easy access to attractions like the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey.

Ferries have been important in Camden for a long time. Before the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was built, many ferries operated from Camden's waterfront.

Roads and Highways

Major roads run through Camden. Interstate 676 and U.S. Route 30 lead to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Interstate 76 also passes through the city. Several New Jersey state routes and county routes also travel through Camden.

Environmental Concerns in Camden

Camden has faced environmental challenges because of its history of heavy industry. This has led to concerns about air and water pollution, and soil contamination. There are also several Superfund sites in the city, which are places with hazardous waste. In recent years, illegal dumping has also become a problem in vacant lots.

Camden's Population: A Look at the Numbers

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1840	3,371		—
1850	9,479		181.2%
1860	14,358		51.5%
1870	20,045		39.6%
1880	41,659		107.8%
1890	58,313		40.0%
1900	75,935		30.2%
1910	94,538		24.5%
1920	116,309		23.0%
1930	118,700		2.1%
1940	117,536		−1.0%
1950	124,555		6.0%
1960	117,159		−5.9%
1970	102,551		−12.5%
1980	84,910		−17.2%
1990	87,492		3.0%
2000	79,904		−8.7%
2010	77,344		−3.2%
2020	71,791		−7.2%
2023 (est.)	71,100		−8.1%
Population sources: 1840–2000 1840–1920 1840 1850–1870 1850 1870 1880–1890 1890–1910 1840–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020

Who Lives in Camden?

Camden, New Jersey – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 1990	Pop 2000	Pop 2010	Pop 2020	% 1990	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	12,582	5,671	3,792	2,922	14.38%	7.10%	4.90%	4.07%
Black or African American alone (NH)	46,151	39,753	34,277	27,800	52.75%	49.75%	44.32%	38.72%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	265	188	235	126	0.30%	0.24%	0.30%	0.18%
Asian alone (NH)	1,008	1,869	1,599	1,229	1.15%	2.34%	2.07%	1.71%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	N/A	20	15	11	N/A	0.03%	0.02%	0.02%
Other race alone (NH)	213	129	109	315	0.24%	0.16%	0.14%	0.44%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	N/A	1,255	938	1,476	N/A	1.57%	1.21%	2.06%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	27,273	31,019	36,379	37,912	31.17%	38.82%	47.04%	52.81%
Total	87,492	79,904	77,344	71,791	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

In 2020, Camden had a population of 71,791 people. This was a small decrease from 2010. Camden is the 14th most populated city in New Jersey.

The city of Camden is home to many different groups of people. In 2010, about 47% of the population was Hispanic or Latino. About 44% were non-Hispanic Black, and 6% were non-Hispanic white. Camden is mainly populated by African Americans and Puerto Ricans.

Fun Places to Visit in Camden

• Corinne's Place – A Black-owned soul food restaurant that opened in 1989.
• Adventure Aquarium – Opened in 2005, it has about 8,000 animals in different habitats.
• Waterfront Music Pavilion – A large outdoor and indoor music venue.
• Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial – You can visit the battleship USS New Jersey, which opened as a museum in 2001.
• Harleigh Cemetery – This cemetery, started in 1885, is where poet Walt Whitman is buried.
• Walt Whitman House – The former home of the famous poet.

Famous People from Camden

Actors and Actresses

• Christine Andreas (born 1951), Broadway actress and singer.
• Joanna Cassidy (born 1944), actress.
• Khris Davis (born 1987), actor.
• Lola Falana (born 1942), singer and dancer.
• Tasha Smith (born 1969), actress, director, and producer.

Artists and Architects

• Alex Da Corte (born 1980), visual artist.
• Mickalene Thomas (born 1970), artist.

Athletes

• Jordan Burroughs (born 1988), Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling.
• Rachel Dawson (born 1985), field hockey midfielder.
• Shaun T. Fitness (born 1978), motivational speaker and fitness trainer.
• Dwight Muhammad Qawi (born 1953), boxing world champion.
• Haason Reddick (born 1994), linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Mike Rozier (born 1961), football running back who won the Heisman Trophy.
• Art Still (born 1955), football defensive end.
• Devon Still (born 1989), football defensive end.
• Sheena Tosta (born 1982), Olympic silver medalist hurdler.
• Dajuan Wagner (born 1983), professional basketball player.
• Jersey Joe Walcott (1914–1994), boxing world heavyweight champion.

Authors and Writers

• Betty Cavanna (1909–2001), author of teen romance and children's books.
• Andrew Clements (1949–2019), writer of children's books, known for Frindle.
• Walt Whitman (1819–1892), famous essayist, journalist, and poet.

Musicians

• Graham Alexander (born 1989), singer-songwriter.
• Cindy Birdsong (born 1939), vocalist for The Supremes.
• Russ Columbo (1908–1934), baritone, songwriter, and actor.
• Lola Falana (born 1942), singer and dancer.
• Richard Sterban (born 1943), bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys.
• Tye Tribbett (born 1976), gospel music singer.
• Crystal Waters (born 1967), house and dance music singer.

Politicians and Public Officials

• Rob Andrews (born 1957), U.S. representative.
• William T. Cahill (1912–1996), former Governor of New Jersey.
• Donald Norcross (born 1958), U.S. Congressman.

Images for kids

• 

  The River Line's Cooper Street–Rutgers University station stop

• 

  Camden Towers (left), American Water Headquarters (center), and 11 Cooper St Apartments (right) in Camden

• 

  The former Camden Downtown Branch of the Camden County Library

• 

  Cathedral Kitchen in Camden

See also

In Spanish: Camden (Nueva Jersey) para niños