The Rise and Fall of Camden, New Jersey - America's most dangerous city - IT'S HISTORY

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Camden City long served as the heart of the South Jersey region. Located directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Camden capitalized on its strategic location for shipping and is the home to the Campbell Soup Company. Unfortunately, Camden lost its once premier standing as it struggled with high poverty, crime, and environmental degradation. But what was the cause of Camden’s fall? What became of the city that once was at the height of an industrial economy?
IT’S HISTORY - Weekly tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Camden the city that long served as the heart of South Jersey.
00:58 Become a Lord or a Lady with Established Titles.
02:20 Camden’s location in New Jersey.
02:33 Camden’s Original European Settlers in the 17th century.
02:57 William Penn encouraged Quaker settlement in the area.
03:14 The Families of William Cooper, John Kaighn, and Archibald Mickle were among the first settlers.
03:33 William Cooper settled at Cooper’s Creek.
03:50 When Jacob Cooper turned his 40 acres into streets and lots.
04:36 When Joshua Cooper created Cooper Village.
04:51 How Edward Sharp created Camden Village.
05:36 Camden’s Ferry Services were developed and the population began to grow.
06:26 The earliest structures were built including Hotels and Taverns.
06:53 A canal was cut through windmill island in the middle of the Delaware River.
07:14 Introduction to important industries such as the Campbell’s Soup Company.
08:29 Introduction to the Camden and Atlantic Railroad and significant improvements in transportation.
10:37 Blocks of Row Housing became available for factory workers Called Factory Row Streetscape.
10:58 Camden’s ethnic population and immigration.
11:44 Places of worship began to develop all over the city from churches to synagogues.
12:49 The life and Death of the Poet Walt Whitman who lived in Camden.
13:45 Camden’s survival of the Great Depression and World War II
14:16 Why Campbell’s Soup company decided on decentralizing and many businesses followed.
15:13 Suburbanization affects the drop in population.
16:07 Urban Decay and Political corruption result in three mayors being jailed.
16:25 Camden's middle-class residents accelerated their departure from the city causing an urban renewal program.
17:14 Years of rising crime make the Morgan Quinto press rate Camden as the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US.
18:27 The rise of protests including the anti-Vietnam war activists the Camden 28.
19:07 Local Gems of Camden City that should be admired.
20:29 Camden’s Medical Schools, Colleges, and educational programs.
21:43 The mayor announces a plan to continue development on the waterfront
22:24 Closing: Camden will once again become one of New Jersey's greatest cities.
» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Camrin Dekis,
Editor - Sebastian Ripoll
Host - Ryan Socash
» SOURCES
/ itshistory
» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[@ITSHISTORY]

Get an amazing gift for your mom this Mother’s Day! Go to establishedtitles.com/Itshistory and get 10% off today. Thanks to Established Titles for sponsoring today's video.

[@richardl9728]

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[@jamesearljohns548]

@@richardl9728 it is legit but only if you get a MASTER title for the land which most don’t provide

[@mishell-rosecasazza7681]

I got this gift but a square foot in Scotland. For my 6yr old nephew for Christmas this year. He loves geography. He has his certificate for him to change his name to Lord title 😊

[@mishell-rosecasazza7681]

Born and raised in North Jersey as well. 😊❤

[@linehandibew6205]

I’m a lineman work on the power lines. In June of 2020 we went to south jersey to assist PSEG for restoring power. This was during the riots in Philadelphia. They sent us into Camden. We were all worried they were going to attack us and that it would get ugly. North side of the bridge was unicorns and rainbows. Where the college is. We had to work on the south side. This was straight up ghetto. And you know what… everyone was so grateful for us to be there helping to get there power on. The gangsters made sure nobody stole anything from us or messed with us. It was amazing. So much gratitude. Great people. The next day we had to work in some rich neighborhood… they were all entitled assholes l, did nothing but bitch at us. So ungrateful. I told my supervisor to please send us back to Camden. Great people there.

[@argonaut31]

Just because you have money doesn't mean you are a good person. People with less often appreciate the things they have because they understand being without.

[@linehandibew6205]

@@argonaut31 exactly, and I’m an addict in recovery 7-1/2 years clean. So I know what is like to struggle. Truly grateful for second chances

[@MaTTheWish]

The gangsters made sure no messed with you? That's cool, why dont they extend that courtesy to everyone?

[@linehandibew6205]

@@MaTTheWish because we were helping get the power on. It was hot out 🤣😂

[@konasumner1906]

@@argonaut31 that's a fact

[@Be_yaself]

Born and raised in camden definitely lost alot of friends to the system and violence but also have friends that's doing good. Definitely made me a strong minded individual 💪 now I have a family and is doing good for me and my kids. Everybody STAY BLESSED

[@DeanmC261993]

Lived in the area my whole life, it is absolutely getting better and is significantly better than it used to be, still got a big ways to go, but I’m proud it’s making strides 💜

[@josejburgos8997]

RIGHT NOW CAMDEN IS GETTINGUCH BETTER I LIKE HERE NEW HOUSE SCHOOL AND ACAMDEM COALITION MEMB

[@carlhammill5774]

turnaround started when they changed police force and their ethos.

[@raymonddeflaviis2306]

Dream on. Cities like this don't come back. I think we all know the reason.

[@whyyoumad7044]

@@carlhammill5774 that's not accurate..the police force is still a joke. The only reason Norcross changed the police force was to ensure Camden does not end up on top 5 dangerous cities list. By labeling it a county force instead of city police

[@goodjawn610]

I was just in Camden couldn't believe how much better it looked!

[@user-vk6ns9kh6t]

I teach in Camden, and this city absolutely has my heart. Living in jersey Suburbs my whole life I grew up with the idea that Camden was scary. I have watched it grow into a place that is rich in many cultures, and it has definitely gotten so much better in the past 10 years. I LOVE every second that I get to spend there. It feels like home for me and one day I do plan on making it home.

[@MyLifeInVideos]

I'm proud to be a Camden resident. You didn't mention the cities efforts to bring back Manufacturing businesses, the action pack warehouse that was just completed along with resin tech and Holtec International ( my employer), which brought 100s of jobs back into the city, I tend to look at camdens future as bright . Hey thanks for the video man.

[@pcantan08ify]

Exactly!!!!

[@tommybaker4330]

If it's so freakin' great, why don't you capitalize the first letter? It is a proper name after all.

[@MyLifeInVideos]

@@tommybaker4330 😂

[@GotoHere]

You mean president Trumps platform to bring manufacturing back to USA? The manufacturing base destroyed by rotten trade deals, inked by democrats? NAFTA for example.

[@KJ-tz7vc]

Industry is what cities like Camden and Trenton need to get back on their feet. Hopefully the jobs pay a decent wage.

[@PhilliesNostalgia]

This one hits home for me. I’ve never lived in Camden, but I live not far away in Camden County. It just pains me to see not one, not two, not three, but four cities in my area suffer badly in the second half of the 20th Century. Atlantic City, Trenton, Camden, and Philadelphia

[@benjybronk7718]

All democratic leaders

[@AlexCab_49]

@@benjybronk7718 No, they got fucked over by suburbanization and policies that fuelled suburbia such as the interstate highways.

[@retrocompaq5212]

@@AlexCab_49 mistakes made by democratic leaders

[@AlexCab_49]

@@retrocompaq5212 Eisenhower was a republican and he signed into law, the interstate highway act, which helped fuck over US cities and rapidly fuel suburbia

[@PhilliesNostalgia]

@@benjybronk7718 Also industrial centers. Except Atlantic City. America losing its manufacturing doesn’t help stem population loss. Republican mayors would be hard pressed to fix it as well. From 1954-1971, Cincinnati was run by Republican mayors. They still lost population. So in that instance, which I’m sure is rare, that doesn’t hold up

[@larryn1929]

The loss of manufacturing plays a major role in many cities in the USA turning into dumps.

[@paulkersey2179]

We sold all our manufacturing to China and ruined our won cities.

[@brianmcintyre503]

Yes sir. Hit the nail on the head.

[@joan6984]

Think Clinton, Regan and Bush had anything to do with this?

[@joewalsh7273]

Democrats

[@CharlesCoderre-yv1cu]

thanks to the EPA

[@soeasilynoticed]

Camden should consider setting a precedent in NJ and reform zoning, build up transit oriented walkable neighborhoods like whats found in many European cities. Embrace the city's heritage and rebuild row homes, and work in conjunction with Philadelphia to revitalize the corridor. I'm sure if efforts were properly invested and plans upheld, the city could boom again in ~25 years. I feel like most of the problem is "Camden is failing so lets not fix it because it be a waste," but it needs that investment and help to come back

[@rayl3103]

There is some truth to this and I support walkable communities but the problem is employment. You can build it up all you want but if you do, you’re essentially forcing people out because they can’t afford to live there anymore. Where do they go? There’s no simple solution.

[@soeasilynoticed]

@@rayl3103 Here's the selling point, make it a public project, build a series of Row homes for housing workers first. Construct Vocational and technical schools subsidize them through state and county grants for the first 5-10 years. Allow anyone from the city and it's areas to go to the schools for free and train a whole workforce of Builders, Masons, Plumbers, Electricians, skilled laborer, etc. You would be giving the people who live in the city the opportunity to make a living, fix the city they want to stay in, and gain a life skill. It would also attract outside workers and help grow the cities wealth. At the end of the construction period allow those dormitories to be rented or sold back to the workers so they may choose to continue their lives there and start families and run businesses. It would take time, it would be an hugef investment, but it would be a great solution rather than letting a city rot in urban decay and watching impoverished people sink deeper and deeper into debt and despair. Have people grow with the the city, not sink with it.

[@rayl3103]

@@luisr.villanueva4941 It’s “there” but that is an oversimplification. People want to work so don’t characterize all people the same. Your solution would be to push out the poor and make it someone else’s problem. If you want the truth, opportunities for advancement is limited. It’s an area where if you live 2 miles away, you have an excellent education. If you don’t, you have a Camden education. Some kids don’t stand a chance. I was lucky because my parents had nothing but still found a way with school assistance to give me an excellent private education.

[@boneheadproductionsb9268]

Dude I would love to see that I’m from Nj so it would be nice to see a city beautiful again bc idk if you ever been here but it’s old and gang filled

[@rayl3103]

@@boneheadproductionsb9268 Not all areas but yes. To really fix it, it will take decades and investment in education and employment.

[@josephgreble5]

Camden is getting significantly better these years. I’ve lived in the area for my whole life and I can 100% confirm that significant efforts have been made to curb crime and poverty. Still, there’s a lot to be done yet

[@robtruth9889]

Yea it is I'm near thier ???? So idkno y he posting this go find nother place t blog at ...

[@-noplangaming-9268]

@@robtruth9889 maybe because it is still a shithole here, it is getting better but it is still a rise to fall

[@jazzridez]

Certainly you jest, The entire NJ government is corrupt and none of that has changed so how could ANY CHANGE be possible until you get rid of the CRIMINALS. Com'on it's a SheetWHOLE. has been and alwayz will be. It's New Jersey.

[@1pcfred]

Getting much worse wasn't really a viable option open to Camden, now was it? Just put a wall around the whole place and man it. The least they can do it put up well lit signs declaring the end of the rule of law. Because a few times I made the mistake of driving through Camden after dark. Spooky place doesn't even begin to describe it.

[@EthanStrongiscool]

Hi Joe

[@APG-fu6gk]

I graduated from Camden High school in 1977. Camden was a middle class black city complete with the ultimate in school spirit! The proud Panthers with color guards (Purple and Gold),cheerleaders, boosters, marching band and yours truly the mascot. We had manicured lawns, respect, pride and manners. We knew our neighbors and genuinely cared about each other. I lived right across the street from the football field which also had a track. Campbell's Soup and Zinman Furs were staples. Camden was also home to the Victrola. I have not been back since 1977 as it is heartbreaking.

[@argonaut31]

I think Camden really went down hill in the early 80s and was at its worst in the late 80s through the 90s.

[@millierobles1]

Hello, I'm also from Camden high c/o 77. Nice to see fellow classmates. Where are you now?

[@videoprotectedcom]

Did you moved to Mars, that you haven't been back? Go back, go for it. At least for a day.

[@ashiasnow8749]

Woodrow Wilson tigers

[@ronsullivan76]

Sadly Campbell’s field was torn down about 2 years ago. Such a shame too, beautiful little ball yard. Great spot to watch a game with a terrific view of the city skyline

[@ejf0255]

It was chased away by the Norcross influence. Rwnt went up like 200% to force the team out of the Stadium. Norcross wanted a new building and got the land nearly free.

[@rdrizzy1989]

really was a beautiful stadium. I was really bummed when they took it down

[@ejf0255]

@@rdrizzy1989 All 100% greed and corruption. :-(

[@rayl3103]

Statistics and certain events need some updating. Camden is presently about the 13th most populated city in NJ.

[@ejf0255]

@@rayl3103 tons left in the past 2-5 years. Bulldozed down blocks of homes.

[@davidrumbol5618]

My dad was born and raised in Camden in the 1930s and 40s. He worked in Camden fixing people's heater and was known as the heater man. He could leave his work van unlocked and nobody touched it, because they knew he was the guy that fixed their heaters.

[@greggsmith8936]

You failed to mention RCA.... The largest industrial employer in Camden for generations

[@stacyrussell460]

My parents grew up in Camden in the 40's & 50's & they always talked about how safe it used to be & how no one locked their doors at night. I grew up in Camden in the late 70's & early 80's. My view is vastly different from theirs. We moved out of Camden in 1990 & I'm so glad we did.

[@adamantman3200]

RCA VICTOR RECORDS was also based in Camden for years. In the 1950's they began to release vintage recordings from the label's archive in LP form on their budget label CAMDEN RECORDS. Many of these recordings had been out of print for decades and were appearing on LP for the first time.

[@joaquinestevez11]

Ngl crazy how they missed this 💯

[@argonaut31]

Many of my uncles, aunts and cousins worked at RCA and Campbell soup. Some worked at Campbell soup until they retired in the 90s!

[@adamantman3200]

@@argonaut31 I learned that in the late '60's RCA demolished the four-story archive, with thousands of masters still inside and dumped it all in the Delaware river to 'build a dock'. I don't know how accurate this is because it was in a book I was reading about their arch-arch Enemy, COLUMBIA.

[@sauletto1]

The Stetson hat factory was also in Camden , way back when hats were always worn.

[@RCAvhstape]

They did preserve the Nipper Building at least, turned it into apartments and offices, and kept the tower with the stained glass window that has the RCA dog and record player logo.

[@rayfridley6649]

Camden also had the Victor Talking Machine Company which was purchased by Radio Corporation of America (RCA).

[@girlinabox1943]

My grandfather worked for RCA in Camden for years until he retired.

[@girlinabox1943]

My uncle did as well (my Aunt's [grandfather's daughter/my dad's sister] husband). I'm guessing my grandfather got him the job. Hey thanks for writing this comment because I decided to Google RCA and my grandfather's name just for fun and there's a picture of him in a RCA newspaper from 1952 that I would have never seen had you not brought this up. So thank you!

[@pattyeverett2826]

One of the biggest electronics manufacturers in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

[@jeffjeannette9364]

I lived in Camden for a couple years, on Baird Blvd and Marlton pike, which is one of the nicer parts, but there were times when I would miss the last bus home from work, forcing me to walk 3 miles through the north side, past Walter Rand transportation center, which is the epicenter for drug activity, and violence. It was so dangerous that a cop stopped me one night, because he knew I didn't belong there, especially late at night. After I explained why, he gave me a ride, home, and continued to do it anytime he spotted me. By the time I ended up moving, we were so familiar we were on a first name basis, and I even gave him a gift card for Dunkin donuts as a token of appreciation. He was tickled pink at my choice 😆

[@Dani92670]

Wow - I love reading a story like this. You're lucky you found a true law enforcer who had your back & helped you out while you needed it. I bet he really did appreciate your gift - probably the only one he ever got.

[@jclements7361]

In the early 1990s I worked at a large mortgage service company that serviced loans on properties all over the US, including New Jersey, where I was in charge of the begining foreclosure process. To this day I remember getting photographs of properties in Camden going into foreclosure, most were row/townhouses in very poor condition. However, I noticed many had very upper middle-class styling and features (or you could see where they used to have them, my original major in college was architecture) much nicer than just plan townhouses would have had. This meant to me that they were all originally built for middle-class families which sadly had long ago moved away.

[@mrsrai8624]

Never knew about this history. My dad grew up in Camden in the 60's/70's and I lived there with my parents, then first-time homeowners, until we left in the 80s. My 96 yo grandmom is still there and the heart of the current residents should not be overlooked. Still a lot of poverty, but there is also a lot of development and work being done to bring back jobs, including the recent opening of Camden's first hotel in 50 years.

[@samanthawest2401]

So very sad that Camden has become what it is. My grandfather grew up there and always told stories of what a lovely city it was. My other grandfather worked for Campbell Soup. I’m a Campbell’s kid!

[@josephmckenna3720]

I worked on the construction lending side on projects that fully renovated 3 large charter schools in Camden. I’ve had many current and past affordable housing, charter school, senior and assisted living projects in mid-town Detroit, Richmond Virginia, southeast Washington D.C., Oakland California, and Baltimore City and I’ve always wished that more mission driven lenders and investors would make their way into South Jersey… Love to see you do a video on Southeast Washington D.C. or the Oliver neighborhood in Baltimore City, Maryland. Both in the same vein as Camden. Great vid 👏

[@davidcarbone3385]

You forgot to mention how policing is County based now and has resulted in a sharp decrease in crime last I heard

[@jackimeharder1418]

My grandmother lived in Camden in the 40s and 50s. She said it was a great town back then.

[@deacic1291]

As someone who grew up right next to paterson nj a lot of similar things sadly happened to both culturally and historically rich cities

[@poppopwes7144]

This is a great Historical video. I really hope many people get to watch it. I learned a lesson in history from watching this video. 😊

[@iamerikka9774]

DR MARTIN LUTHER KING also lived in Camden (downtown on NEWTON AVE) when he attended college in Pennsylvania 💯💯💯

[@MultiPetercool]

Paterson is another example of a great industrial city that declined quickly.

[@waltglow6396]

I moved out of South Camden in 1969 and never looked back !

[@timferguson2232]

That was after Tom Hayden paid a visit along with “civic unrest.”

[@williamrubinstein3442]

Camden is similar in its decline is like other small cities next to a big city but across the river like Easr St Louis and Newark NJ.

[@Elmaestrodemusica]

The reason: the size of our country. When a city starts to deteriorate, instead of trying to solve the problems many of those who can afford to - move; leaving behind those who can't - the poor.

[@capmidnite]

So?

[@sitdowndogbreath]

@@capmidnite waiting for Brooklyn is that what you're doing

[@J.P_INC.]

And I'm blessed to have survived for 35 years in this city. Still here

[@daniellelandau7762]

I work in Camden. More needs to be done for these kids

[@bucksdiaryfan]

That Lordship thing is a total scam. I researched it for one of my clients. Don't let it keep you from providing patronage to the content creator because he does a good job. But caveat emptor when it comes to your "lordship" purchase.

[@indianaslim4971]

Of course it's a scam, it preys on people's insecurities and vanity. It is an example of P.T. Barnum's ideology of there is a fool born every minute and a fool and his money is soon departed, remember when it was "pet rocks" or plots of land on the moon?

[@steverone7623]

It’s the “name a star” of the 2020s

[@xg2922]

Pet rock type of shit lol, except you don't get anything real.

[@sitdowndogbreath]

Title by names are illegal in this country

[@carfanactic2]

Would love to see a rise and fall of Newark!

[@Rhinestone_Radio]

It was a beautiful city when the Italians where there now its a shit hole

[@konasumner1906]

@Michele Thomas 54 yr old beauty

[@brendakrieger7000]

I grew up near Philadelphia in the 80's even then you didn't dare go there. Mischief nights were legendary in Camden.

[@billwilson1079]

My dad grew up in camden in the late 40s 50s and 60s, my grandma use to work at the campbells factory and had her own shop called Aggies variety store. I was born in lady Lourdes hospital in 92.

[@argonaut31]

My mother and father grew up in Camden during the 50s until they moved out to Audubon and Blackwood in the early 60s. A good portion of my extended family cousins, aunts and uncles worked at Campbell Soup and RCA. Camden was very much like Philly where it was mostly all row homes and there were different ethnic sections like Italian, Polish, German etc. There was low crime and it was clean and the people respected where they lived. There are still sections of Camden that are very livable and nicely maintained but they are overshadowed by the very run down and dangerous parts. NJ has failed the residents of this once great city but some of the population is to blame also as some parts look as though people just have no respect for where they live and moral is really low.

[@CigEconomy]

The residents failed themselves. There is absolutely no reason these people can't cross the river for work and yet they choose not to. Literally all over Jersey people commute over an hour and a half both ways for good jobs. These people are lucky enough to be so close to a job center with easily accessible public transportation to get there and still choose to blame the "lack of jobs" in their city instead of their own moral failings. Newsflash, none of us have good jobs in our cities. We all commute to work.

[@DeniLane]

I question your crime stats. They seem out dated. Camden no longer has the highest crime rate in the US. It’s been steady improving. Camden’s not even in the top 10 of most violent cities.

[@toxicequinox4749]

I believe he is making a historical points here that's why he is using the out fated info, I will say I love that Camden is finally healing as a resident

[@Veldkamp88]

Over five years ago I got jumped by two kids behind Cooper hospital while I was outside of my rig waiting on a patient to be done so I could transport the patient back to a rehab center said patient was currently staying at that time. The two didn't succeed jumping me. But yes, I do agree Camden is slowly improving.

[@adriafitzy6459]

As an NJ resident who's always lived near camden, its nice to see a video on it that isn't just "crime crime crime". I really think Camden could be a great city again if they embraced the urban planning and urban fabric of pre WWII. Allow the citizens a place they could be proud of, not a sea of parking lots serving the suburbs.

[@robertknowles2699]

Adria, Here in Cleveland I look to Camden as a great shipbuilding area with folks skilled. Utility prices have jumped as winter has awful demands on the relatively small savings in bank. During ww 1 , Subchasers of wood , as in several other cities , were designed and engined in Jersey. Today with Viking and narrower boats need to travel to avoid high Winter cost, it might be interesting to see where in Camden these 110 ft x 14 ft. wood boats, engined in Jersey City, where made. Rowing and sailing an older , less noisy and polluting method of maybe point to point travel with participation by young and old alike.

[@lindabradley9266]

My dad moved from Newport News, Va in the 50’s, I was born in Va as well as the next sister. 2 more were born in Baltimore. My dad moved to Camden on Elm St near the Ben Franklin bridge so he could work at the New York Shipyard. Much more in between but I graduated from Woodrow Wilson HS on Federal St in 1971. Moved back to Va in 1977. It has changed so much but I’d like to see it get better. My 2 children were born at Cooper Hospital as it was known then. I remember very well the riots in 1970’s. Learned quite a bit from your program though. Thanks.

[@CapeFear1]

Its still Cooper hospital at least it was in 1992 when my niece was born there.

[@chrisgroling1784]

Visit during the daylight or near police at night. Especially leaving BB&T at night. Don’t go adventuring off. Been there many times. I’m only 30 but I’ve been there for work and concerts as well as the old Riversharks games. It’s gotten better in recent years with the addition of the 76ers practice facility and the Holtec building. It’s a shame the Riversharks couldn’t have stayed.

[@allenbeers2837]

This video is a banger! So informative! Keep up the awesome work.

[@user-up9iq7ic8z]

As a Kid [ I'M 72 NOW ] We would take a Bus from Berlin to Camden for Schools Cloths or Christmas ... Shopping at Stores as SEARS WOOLWORTH , WAMAMAKERS .... And around Christmas it was FANTASIC ...

[@saraviggiano291]

My “not sure how many great” uncle Nicola Viggiano moved his family to Camden in the late 1800’s he started a scrap yard there and lived on Pine street, his son took over the business and then Viggiano Brothers Inc. The scrapyard is now EMR. Watching this documentary was very insightful, I hope Camden continues to improve.

[@averagedusty]

I live in Cherry Hill but I go to school in Camden. I will tell you the bus station where you get the PATCO train back into Haddonfield is not nice after dark. But you can see the city was beautiful at one point and still is in some spots.

[@chrislongbeard]

They need to have a bumper sticker that says " This car drove down Braodway Camden, NJ". Like the ones from Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Let's just say they have a building that has a McCrorys sign up that closed like 30 years ago. If you look at Google Street view it's at Kaighns Ave and Braodway.

[@richardscathouse]

Wouldn't the bullet holes be proof enough?

[@ntsst3]

Yup, still there. I love. The church across the street with burglar bars on the doors and windows. Nice touch 👌

[@MrEurolaf]

Growing up, we went on a school trip to the aquarium. Man, you just want to see that town do well and prosper. Breaks your heart to see the people struggle there.

[@brianmcintyre503]

The city I was born in. Grew up right next door in Gloucester city. Im very fond of Camden and the people I know there. Like anything else if u don't go looking for trouble it usually won't find u. It's a little different for the people that live there. Harder to avoid.

[@kevingomez-johnson140]

I feel like you should do one on Baltimore, That city has TOO much potential but not enough caring people to put it into action.

another city run by zombies

[@borntoraisehell5353]

You're my favorite on KZbin about History. Great news! 👍 🥰 👍

[@petestaint8312]

Fantastic channel! Thanks for posting. 👍

[@kurtmuller6750]

Born at Cooper Hospital in 1969....dad worked as the Director of Graduate Admissions at Rutgers from '68 until '98. Even though I never lived there, I did attend Rutgers and kinda feel like, in some ways, I grew up there. This was a great video that sheds light on Camden's history.

[@lucieblaise8793]

I visited Camden from Philly on a freezing cold day, and I enjoyed some of its areas, including a pleasant path that goes along the river, and the downtown area with its historical houses. Philly has similar issues as listed in the video, but so much potential. They have community gardens, green spaces, beautiful murals, and public services that would definitely help bring Philly's poorer population back on its feet if they invested more into them. I am not a huge fan of everything being turned into luxury apartments and catering to the incoming middle class (aka new yorkers).

[@robertoacevedo6247]

Wow, I lived in east Camdem on Leonard Ave # 20 from 1970 to 1974, left on christmass day of 74, I went to Cramer elemantary school , East Camdem was amazing and safe, my sisters that still live there, they tell me how much it has change, it brakes my heart, I have good memories from that time.

[@warrenash5370]

Lived 718 North 8th Street from 1955 till 1967, moving out shortly before the riots. House is now gone. Family owned the hardware store that used to be on the corner of 8th and Vine. The drug store on the opposite corner, where I bought my candy from, is also gone. Replaced by a large tree. Went back once. Sewell School, which my father and I attended, is still there on Vine.

[@srfurley]

I'm from the UK, but have visited Camdem several times, the first being when came over to see the river Line, just a few days after it opened. I have walked the streets of the city by both day and night, and never fealt in the slightest danger.

[@motoman22atgmail]

You traveled across the Atlantic to visit Camden. You did this several times. I cannot find words.

[@srfurley]

@@motoman22atgmail I travelled across the Atlantic several times between 2002 and 2010, but not to visit Camden. The first time was to visit the Loews Jersey Theatre in Jersey City; I did not visit Camden that time, and indeed had never heard of the place then. I first went there when I came over to see the River Line, and also rode Patco to Philadelphia. Since then I have been over I think three more times and each time have taken a ride on the River Line while I was there; it’s a nice trip. One time I came back on the SEPTA line through Croydon just to see what it was like as I live in Croydon England. Camden is not the greatest place in the world, but I think it’s far from the worst. I am unlikely to be coming over again; for several years I did not have a passport, I do have one again now, but lack of money, age and ill health will probably prevent another visit.

[@fredgardner2870]

Number 1 ... murder city under 100k.. fool

[@Be_yaself]

I survived the streets of camden I'm 29 now it definitely was crazy growing up I learned alot growing up in them streets

[@motoman22atgmail]

@@srfurley Best wishes on good health! Main thoroughfares are usually OK, especially if just passing through …during the day anyway.

[@gridlo]

Anthony Bourdain did a show about Donkeys in Camden. He said they had a better cheesesteak than Philly.

[@danwhiteman2529]

OMG......it's been 45 yrs since I had a Donkeys cheesesteak with a nice cold beer.

[@mphRagnarok]

I love your channel. I'm from the mainline of PA and would absolutely love if you ever do a video on it. I love your focus on my home area of the country.

[@socksal]

I really appreciate how you make note of the good bones of these beleaguered cities, and are hopeful for their futures.

[@johncalvinhall]

Camden was one of the worst cities I ever knew. In the 60s and 70s, the state emptied Camden out, moving the slums into our neighborhood of Willingboro, forcing my family to eventually move out in 73. I remember once being told to get my "white cracker face" out of their neighborhood in Camden. Never returned.

[@johncalvinhall]

@Garden State NJ "Some people" don't know how to care for their property. They possibly even relish the wallowing in the rubbish. Like other worthless libtards, they demand a community where their values are twisted and broken, only to turn around and cry because others won't bail them out. Look at LA, San Francisco, Chicago, NYC, Seattle, ... do I really need to continue??? Camden got what it deserved b/c they voted in and then tolerated corrupted Democrats: they now get to live in town of their own making. No tears for the left.

[@finlandball1939]

@Garden State NJ He didn’t say that at all and none of this is his fault Lmao. If the state removes slums from one city, they move to another, is it that hard to understand. And for the last comment, you do know African Americans can be racist too, right?

[@oziasgavriel]

@@finlandball1939 The slums never moved to Willingboro. Middle class African Americans moved in during the 70s and all the white residents began to move out for fear of declining property value. Today, Willingboro is 70+% Black and has a median income higher than many of the predominantly white south jersey towns.

[@aaronx8006]

Sounds great 👍

[@brianmcintyre503]

@Ashura have u ever seen Carl Lewis south jersey track records? Highly unlikely they will ever be broken. He had a sister carol that has some records too. Carl long jumped 26'6" in highschool

[@richardnelson64]

Thanks for another good story man❗❗👍☮️✌️👌

[@susfreegood6956]

I watch all of your videos. So glad and appreciative of this particular video! My Hometown Camden, NJ

[@himbourbanist]

Grew up in Chester County PA outside of Philly, and we regularly visited Camden's waterfront for the Aquarium and to see the battleship New Jersey. In my teen years I saw a few concerts at the BB&T. Later in life I drove through Camden to meet with some friends down the shore and ended up seeing a lot more of the city and what had happened to it than I ever had previously. Good video, it's good to know more about Camden. Seems like it's almost just part of Philly these days. I know Philly has really been bouncing back since the 2000's, so maybe Camden will get some of that energy and new population too.

[@sarcrazy530]

Good video, but there are some inaccuracies. Camden county college (at least it’s main campus) is in Blackwood, Gloucester Township, not Camden

[@stevenlinhares9968]

There is a campus in camden city

[@sarcrazy530]

@@stevenlinhares9968 yes but the image he showed was in blackwood

[@girlinabox1943]

It is getting better here. Still struggle but better than it was and continuing upward. This is within about the past 7 years. I live here in a quite spot and I have a chicken farm here. I love it here and it's so close to Philly and other nice places to go.

[@MyLifeInVideos]

Yu have a chicken farm here in camden ?

[@girlinabox1943]

@@MyLifeInVideos yeah I do 👍 a little backyard thing

[@robbrowne7625]

This was fantastic. Thank you

[@Thomas-El856]

This is my hometown I was born there in 1994 and for those who know the area I lived in Norf Camden at Northgate 1 right in front of the Ben Frank until I moved in 2019 to Florida. I have not been back since because I ended up having my first two kids, my daughters in 21 and 22 and just life things. My mom Caress does events in the city and still lives in Norf Camden and she’s always showing me the new things. My best friend since birth essentially my brother just became an officer he’s also from Norf and he’s always showing me all the stats and stuff they’re trying to do with the community. I plan on visiting soon for my mom to meet my kids in person. But I will not be going back to Northgate as it’s like the only part on the crime map that’s STILL EXTREMELY RED. I pray for my city man there’s so many genuine people , so much talent and potential that just gets stifled because they environment.

[@Jch434]

Camden is seen as a somewhat suburb of Philadelphia now. Although it may be dangerous, the real jungle/slaughterhouse is firmly on the PA side of the Delaware now.

[@davidmagen415]

Since I was old enough to have a memory. They have been saying Camden is coming back, 60 yard is to long to wait, it is a pit and a hood. Plain and simple🏖

[@muttsma]

With a high school graduation rate of 60%, the kids in Camden are just going to continue the endless cycle of poverty and violence.

[@neils5819]

I am a longtime resident of South jersey. In fact, I have made most of my living here in Camden County. With that said, @ Its History you have us listeners jumping Century to century listening to you explain aspects of how things came to be. Example; you have us trying to understand Cherry and Plum street formation in the 1820s from one of the Cooper's descendants. Then next sentence jumping back to 1660 and how water ferry taxis were put in place. You are all over the map. Take a breath and next time have a chronogical/sequential order of events. Nobody will retain any of this information by your way of explanation. Thanks.

[@TopBillinSports]

Pretty sure he has nearly half a million subscribers, simpleton, so telling him how to run his business is the most goofiest thing I've read this week! You entitled wyte ppl kill me with this stuff. If you know the history, why are you watching? Feel free to do your own video and let this man create how he wants to.

[@williamtourot5601]

the Glendale Methodist Church, at minute mark 11:57 is NOWHERE near Camden....its up in Voorhees, NJ

[@martinjosecastro]

Its not even that dangerous no more I live in the trenches of Camden its just dirty and has too much drugs but Philadelphia rough areas are way worse

[@himbourbanist]

Both cities are really starting to improve and attract new residents. I'm hopeful for Camden and Philly's futures

[@qolspony]

Camden have all the bones to be successful. It has Philadelphia to the west, it is in the North Eastern Region, It is the only major city in South NJ (unlike Newark and Jersey City) it has a waterfront and most of all, It has rail transit going through it. It even has a dedicated Light Rail going through it. And it is not far from the major beaches in the area including Atlantic City. And because of the shortage of affordable housing, it can be a transit city to New York and Philadelphia.

[@garystone3476]

Very interesting. Thanks.

[@thebeautifulfamily8938]

Man I grew up in Camden NJ and never knew any of this lmao now I know why the name Cooper is so popular literally got Cooper street, Cooper river park, Cooper Hospital and so on.

[@PurpleElephantMusic]

Campbells Field was torn down and is no longer, i believe its a parking lot for rutgers camden

[@unclephilly2127]

Please do the rise and fall of Trenton NJ documentary thank you.

[@ITSHISTORY]

I can't overdue the NJ stuff, but that one is on my list!

[@poppopwes7144]

I’m looking forward to seeing a video about Trenton New Jersey

[@unclephilly2127]

roger that👍🏼

[@anonymousjohn386]

It was such a nice town and then the politicians moved in and first started effing over the city until it wasn't enough and decided to trash the entire state. The end.

[@allenbeers2837]

Our car got robbed inTrenton it was awesome haha

[@lisay.thomas1070]

Thanks for the video. I've lived in Camden most of my life.👍

[@TomMcMorrow]

I grew up fifteen minutes from Camden in an idyllic upper middle class suburb and there was essentially zero spillover. Heck I even went to Rutgers there! Wild to think this level of destitution and crime was just a few minutes away.

[@Skinnyd4]

I am from the 609, so this is interesting to me - thank you for posting. Will you be doing a video on Trenton (my birthplace) or Burlington (where my hometown is) anytime soon?

[@markpayne6803]

You say your from the 609 unless your from South Jersey most people wouldn't get it that being the area code living down south saw your reply it brought back memories of our old phone number

[@kcm732]

Subaru of America headquarters is also located in Camden, NJ

[@Halooffrogs]

This helps as I am planning a vacation to New Jersey.

[@kywanmarshall2192]

Love the video 😻

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

i live 5 mins outside of camden, you missed a few things, its a regional transportation hub for nj transit buses and the start point of the river line light rail, plus has a couple patco highspeed line stop, also the campells field no longer exists, the philadelphia 76ers new training and practice facility is in camden and a massive thing that happened in the past 10 years or so was the complete removal of the very corrupt camden police department and creation of the camden county police which has a better relationship with the community

[@stevefish3124]

How can you produce a video about Camden and not even mention the Victor Talking Machine Company and its sucessor RCA Victor?!

[@jamesholt7612]

Awesome video my friend.

[@leighth763]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL !

[@MrRonk55]

Overall an excellent outline of a city I've lived my entire life within ten miles. Two things, though- We pronounce it "Our Lady Of Lords(silent U.) and Campbell Fields has been demolished for an annex of Rutgers as far as I know. Shame, because I have a picture from a Riversharks game with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background that is really amazing. Great work!

[@johnnyboy55]

This guy butchers pronunciations in every one of his videos. Every one.

[@TopBillinSports]

@@johnnyboy55 - Yet, you keep watching...Complaining but continuing to watch, the wyte-guy way...SMH. This dude is doing 63737 things, expecting him to know literally everything is some jealousy type behavior. And so is continuing to watch and complain.

[@apocyldoomer]

Nice pics and history, I’m across the River in Philly, as a trucker, I’ve been there picking up and delivering freight, many times. There was a dye and textile mill that erupted in a major fire caused by a scrapper, I cannot remember the name of it, it was on the corner of 6th and Broadway. Does anyone know the name of it, I researched it and found old pictures of the factory and workers.

[@theheartoftexas]

Hollingshead ?

[@apocyldoomer]

@@theheartoftexas Hmm, no, I don’t recognize that name, but thanks for the info!

[@kywanmarshall2192]

Great video 😊

[@hrctherapy1639]

Thanks a lot

[@freetolook3727]

Bumper sticker: "I went to Camden, New Jersey and survived".

[@KyseJ]

My city. Lived in pollock, they deff have done camden dirty over the last few decades. They tore down the baseball stadium a few years ago though.

[@vassa1972]

Good stuff

[@spellerlittlewing]

Great video

[@freddielugo1486]

How about the history of Paterson, NJ?

[@jimc9596]

I just can't figure out why all these cities took a nose dive. Camden, Philly, Chicago,etc. I just keep scratching my head and wondering.

[@jimc9596]

@Garden State NJ Think Harder.

[@jimc9596]

First of all none of those cities are improving, only getting worse. The violence and savage culture of these cities has nothing to do at all with their downfall?

[@jimc9596]

@Garden State NJ First of all none of those cities are improving, only getting worse. The violence and savage culture of these cities has nothing to do at all with their downfall?

[@tashzirwoods]

@@jimc9596 camden was definitely improved wtf are you talking about bro huh yall hate camden but love Philly so much which has almost 300 murders for the year already I don't think canden even has 12 yet

[@jimc9596]

@Garden State NJ Capital will not go to a place where their assets and workers are under threat.

[@atmwavvy]

Nice video bro...can you do a video on Newark, NJ...that's my hometown

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.