In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, canal boats transported goods like lumber, coal, and stone to canal towns, pulled by mules along the towpath. Families lived on these boats, with children often born aboard and tasked with caring for the mules. This ornament represents the Mercer, a replica of a typical canal boat found at Great Falls in the C&O Canal National Historical Park. 

A portion of sales supports the preservation of the C&O Canal through the C&O Canal Trust.