First Camden National Bank & Trust

a.k.a. Mid-Lantic Bank;ONJH Inv. #040817;See Also:Cooper Street His

Jct. of Broadway and Cooper St., Camden, NJ
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Economics

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The first recorded boardwalk in the world was built in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1870. The boardwalk was originally constructed as a way to keep sand out of the city's hotels and railway cars.
Camden County, New Jersey has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the 17th century. Originally inhabited by Lenape Native Americans, the area was first explored by European settlers in the early 1600s. In 1681, William Cooper purchased land from the Lenape and established a settlement called Cooper's Ferry, which would later become known as Camden. Camden County was officially established in 1844, named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, an influential English jurist.

During the 19th century, Camden County became a major industrial hub due to its location on the Delaware River. The county experienced significant growth as industries flourished, such as shipping, manufacturing, and transportation. The Camden and Amboy Railroad, established in 1830, played a key role in the county's development, connecting Camden to Philadelphia and further fueling economic growth.

In the 20th century, Camden County faced both successes and challenges. The construction of the world-renowned Benjamin Franklin Bridge in 1926 bolstered the county's connections to Philadelphia and served as a symbol of progress. However, like many industrial areas, Camden County also experienced economic decline and urban decay in the mid-20th century due to the shift of industries and suburbanization.

In recent years, Camden County has undergone a revitalization process and focused on urban renewal efforts. The county has invested in education, recreation, and healthcare initiatives to improve the quality of life for its residents. Additionally, Camden's waterfront has been transformed into an area of commercial and residential development, attracting new businesses and visitors to the county. Overall, Camden County's history is a tale of growth, challenges, and ongoing efforts to adapt and thrive in a changing world.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Camden County, New Jersey.

  • 1705: Camden County, NJ was founded as a county in the Province of West Jersey.
  • 1726: The first road, known as Kings Highway, was constructed in the county.
  • 1801: The bustling Camden and Amboy Railroad was established, promoting growth in the county.
  • 1844: The City of Camden was incorporated, becoming the county seat.
  • 1854: The county's first public school was established, providing education for local children.
  • 1901: The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, connecting Camden County to Philadelphia, was opened.
  • 1941: The famous Campbell Soup Company relocated its headquarters to Camden County.
  • 1955: The Walt Whitman Bridge opened, further connecting the county to Philadelphia.
  • 2001: The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial was established in Camden County.