Camden Live Cam
Situated directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia
Camden History
Camden, New Jersey has a rich and varied history dating back to its founding in 1626 by the Dutch West India Company. Here are some key moments and facts from Camden's history:
- In the 19th century, Camden became a center of industry and manufacturing, particularly in the areas of shipbuilding, railroads, and metalworking. The Camden and Amboy Railroad, which was completed in 1834, made Camden a major transportation hub.
- One of the most significant events in Camden's history was the construction of the Camden waterfront in the early 20th century. The waterfront was home to a thriving shipping industry, and it also became a popular destination for recreation and entertainment.
- In the mid-20th century, Camden faced many of the same challenges as other urban areas in the United States, including white flight, deindustrialization, and a decline in population. However, the city has also seen many revitalization efforts in recent decades, particularly in the areas of tourism, education, and healthcare.
- One of the most notable cultural institutions in Camden is the Camden Waterfront, which features a variety of attractions including the Adventure Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, and the Camden Children's Garden.
- Camden has also been home to many famous people throughout its history, including Walt Whitman, who worked as a newspaper editor in Camden in the 19th century, and boxer Muhammad Ali, who trained at a gym in Camden in the 1970s.
Overall, Camden's history is one of resilience and reinvention. Despite facing many challenges over the years, the city has continued to adapt and evolve, and it remains an important center of commerce, culture, and innovation in the state of New Jersey.
Camden Top Tourist Attractions
- Adventure Aquarium: This popular aquarium features more than 8,500 aquatic animals, including sharks, hippos, and sea turtles. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial: This historic battleship, which served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, is now open to the public as a museum and memorial. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history and the experiences of the sailors who served on it.
- Camden Waterfront: This picturesque waterfront area is home to a variety of attractions, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River.
- Camden Children's Garden: This whimsical garden is designed specifically for children and features a variety of interactive exhibits and attractions, including a butterfly house, a tree house, and a dinosaur garden.
- Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts: This cultural center features a variety of exhibits, performances, and events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and art exhibitions.
- Wiggins Park and Marina: This scenic park and marina offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Camden has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor recreation, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this vibrant and dynamic city.
Camden Climate
Camden, New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot and humid summers, mild to cool winters, and year-round precipitation. Here are some key facts about Camden's climate:
- Summers in Camden are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29 degrees Celsius) and frequent thunderstorms. Heat waves with temperatures in the 90s (32-37 degrees Celsius) are not uncommon.
- Winters in Camden are generally mild, with average high temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (around 5-10 degrees Celsius). Snowfall is relatively rare, with an average of about 16 inches (40 centimeters) per year.
- Spring and fall in Camden are generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and moderate rainfall.
- Overall, Camden receives about 45 inches (114 centimeters) of precipitation per year, with rain falling fairly evenly throughout the year.
If you're planning a trip to Camden, it's a good idea to check the local weather forecast and pack accordingly. In the summer, be sure to bring lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated, and in the winter, be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow or ice.
Camden Geography
Camden, New Jersey is located in the northeastern United States, in the Mid-Atlantic region. Here are some key facts about Camden's geography:
- Camden is situated on the eastern bank of the Delaware River, which separates New Jersey from Pennsylvania. The river is an important transportation route and is also a popular destination for recreational boaters and fishermen.
- Camden is part of Camden County, which is located in the southwestern portion of New Jersey. The county is bordered by Burlington County to the east, Gloucester County to the south, and Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania to the west.
- The terrain in Camden is generally flat and low-lying, with an elevation of only about 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level. The city is located in a coastal plain region, which is characterized by sandy soils and coastal wetlands.
- Camden is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of New York City and about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Washington, D.C. The city is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.
Overall, Camden's location on the Delaware River and its proximity to major cities in the Northeast make it a strategic transportation hub and an important center of commerce and industry. However, the city's low-lying terrain and coastal location also make it vulnerable to flooding and other weather-related hazards.
Ben Franklin Bridge
The Ben Franklin Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Delaware River and connects Camden, New Jersey with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a prominent citizen of Philadelphia. Here is a brief history of the Ben Franklin Bridge:
- Planning and construction: The idea for a bridge across the Delaware River was first proposed in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the 1920s that serious planning began. Construction of the bridge began in 1922, and it took more than six years and $37 million to complete.
- Design: The Ben Franklin Bridge was designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret and engineer Ralph Modjeski. It is a suspension bridge with a main span of 1,750 feet (533 meters) and a total length of 9,573 feet (2,918 meters). When it opened in 1926, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
- Opening and use: The Ben Franklin Bridge opened to the public on July 1, 1926. At the time, it was a toll bridge, and the toll was 75 cents for a car and driver. The bridge quickly became an important transportation route, linking Philadelphia and Camden and providing a direct connection between New York City and Baltimore.
- Upgrades and renovations: Over the years, the Ben Franklin Bridge has undergone several upgrades and renovations to improve its safety and efficiency. In the 1950s, toll booths were removed to improve traffic flow, and in the 1990s, a major rehabilitation project was undertaken to replace the bridge's suspension cables and upgrade its lighting and drainage systems.
Today, the Ben Franklin Bridge is a vital transportation link between Camden and Philadelphia, carrying more than 100,000 vehicles and thousands of pedestrians and cyclists each day.