Picture a bustling waterfront. That’s Kaighn Point in Camden New Jersey. A place where commerce and industry thrived. It wasn’t always so.
Kaighn Point’s story begins long ago in 1696. John Kaighn bought 460 acres of land. He connected his plantation to Newton Creek. This lane became Kaighn’s Lane or Kaighn’s Point Lane. It eventually evolved into Kaighn Avenue. The presence of an Indian trail to Haddonfield influenced the route. This detail is often overlooked.
The establishment of a ferry at Kaighn’s Point transformed the area. It became a vital hub for trade and commerce. The 19th century saw businesses flourish. Capewell Glass Works and John Cooper’s lumber ice and coal business were prominent. Around the turn of the 20th century Kaighn Avenue near Broadway became a premier retail destination. Jewish-American businesses especially thrived there.
As Camden grew Kaighn Avenue east of Haddon Avenue developed into a fashionable residential neighborhood. Several churches were built. Elegant homes graced Kaighn Avenue. These homes overlooked Farnham Park. The area’s transformation is a testament to its enduring appeal.
However Kaighn Point wasn’t immune to challenges. Flooding plagued the area near Ninth and Tenth Streets. This occurred during severe rain storms and high tide. A notable flood occurred on August 11 1958. Bob Bartosz’s photographs documented this event.
The South Ferry Hotel stands out in Kaighn Point’s history. Built before the Revolutionary War it played a significant role. During the British occupation a cannonball pierced its chimney. This cannonball became a relic exhibited at the Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia. The fair raised over a million dollars for Union soldiers. The hotel remained a popular destination for Philadelphians for over a century. It was eventually demolished to accommodate railroad expansion around 1900.
Kaighn Point’s evolution reflects Camden’s history. From a quiet lane to a bustling commercial center. From elegant homes to devastating floods. Kaighn Point’s story is a vibrant tapestry woven with commerce tragedy and transformation. Remember Kaighn Point next time you cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Its rich history is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.