By 2006 the old Canal Clipper III canal boat docked near Great Falls Tavern was ready for retirement. Its concrete hull had cracked and, despite several attempts, was beyond repair.

A very sharp team led by the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern fundraised for a new boat and found a boat builder who could create a replica packet (tourist) boat from historic drawings. The new boat was named "Charles F. Mercer" after the first President of the C&O Canal. It's hull would be made of aluminum for long-term reliability. In less than a year the boat was ready for launch.

This Gallery captures three key - and very exciting - dates involving the replacement of the canal boat.