Ever wonder where Camden County got its name? It’s all tied to the Cooper River. The Cooper River, a humble tributary of the Delaware, holds within its waters and along its banks, stories of settlers, industries, and recreation. Today we are going to delve into some of them.
The Cooper River got its name from the Cooper family. They were some of the first European settlers in the Camden County area. Upstream, near Haddonfield, it was once known as Cooper’s Creek. In 1911 it officially became the Cooper River by an Act of Legislature. This 16-mile waterway begins its journey in Gibbsboro. Its northern branch starts way up in Voorhees Township. The Cooper River Watershed spans 40 square miles. It includes several smaller tributaries. These include Chandlers Run and Millard Creek.
The Cooper River flows through many towns. These include Barrington, Cherry Hill and Haddonfield. It also snakes through Lindenwold and Pennsauken Township.
Interestingly, the Cooper River was once a tidal river. The most severe tide reportedly reached Kings Highway. Today tidal influence stops at the Kaighn Avenue Bridge in Camden.
Let’s rewind to 1723. A young Benjamin Franklin, a runaway apprentice from Boston, found himself along the banks of the Cooper River. He was on his way to Philadelphia. Franklin recounts how he hitched a ride on a boat headed towards Philadelphia. Since there was no wind, they rowed all night. They landed near an old fence and made a fire to keep warm until daylight. One of the passengers recognized the place as Cooper’s Creek. They were a little above Philadelphia. Franklin finally arrived in Philadelphia.
The Cooper River has transformed over time. It went from a transportation route to an industrial waterway. Now it is a recreational area. Today, the Cooper River offers many opportunities. You can visit the Camden County Boathouse in Pennsauken Township. It hosts rowing clubs. You can also visit the Cooper River Yacht Club in Collingswood. They offer sailing lessons and organize racing events.
Imagine navigating the Cooper in a canoe. You could travel from its mouth to southern Haddonfield. Fishing has improved in the river. Small fish can be caught in season.
Since 1955, the Cooper River has been the site of the Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s IRA Championship Regatta. This is considered the United States collegiate national championship of rowing. The trail around the river regularly hosts community races. One example is the 9/11 Heroes Run.
The Cooper River is more than just a waterway. It’s a living testament to the history and evolution of Camden County. From its namesake family to its role in recreation, the Cooper River continues to shape the landscape. Its story is etched into the very fabric of this region.