Camden County

Was Camden County always a bustling hub? Hardly. In 1681, a year before Philadelphia’s founding, William Cooper built a modest home near the Cooper River. This humble beginning marked the start of Camden County. Initially, settlement was slow, primarily Quakers seeking refuge. Camden County, officially formed in 1844 from a part of Gloucester County, has a rich and often contentious history. The area’s earliest European settlers, spurred by William Penn’s promise of religious freedom and equitable taxation, often clashed with the native Lenni Lenape people. A simple ferry, operating as early as 1688, connected this fledgling community to Philadelphia. Operated by the Cooper family, the area became known as Cooper’s Ferry. Jacob Cooper, envisioning a Philadelphia suburb, named it Camden Town, after the British judge who championed American independence. The American Revolution disrupted Camden County’s growth. British troops, occupying Philadelphia, frequently raided the area for supplies. Despite this setback, Camden City was incorporated in 1828. Camden County’s growth was inextricably linked to its developing transportation networks. The arrival of the Camden and Amboy Railroad in 1834 connected it to New York City and Philadelphia. This rail line spurred further development, transforming Camden County into a major transportation hub. Railroads fostered suburban growth. Towns like Collingswood, incorporated in 1877, sprang up along the rail lines, boasting amenities like the 61-acre Knight Park. Haddonfield, with a history dating back to 1701, expanded rapidly due to its connection to the Camden and Atlantic City rail line. Even Berlin, originally named Long-A-Coming by Native Americans, grew as a planned community for Philadelphia Germans escaping nativist attacks. Camden County’s transformation continued into the 20th century. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, opened in 1926, dramatically altered transportation patterns. The rise of the automobile led to the development of new attractions along Route 70. The Garden State Race Track and luxurious venues like the Cherry Hill Inn and the iconic Rickshaw Inn drew visitors and residents. By 1965, Cherry Hill had become the wealthiest community in South Jersey, exceeding Camden in property value thanks to the opening of the Cherry Hill Mall. This marked a shift of economic power from Camden to its suburbs. Despite economic growth, social disparities emerged. Camden, grappling with industrial decline, faced increasing poverty. The suburbs, through exclusionary zoning practices, limited affordable housing options, creating a divide between the urban core and surrounding communities. Today, Camden County represents a mix of urban and suburban life, with a continuing focus on revitalization efforts in Camden City. The story of Camden County is one of continuous transformation, a blend of progress and challenge.