HistoryThe Great Falls of the Potomac have drawn people to the river's shore for centuries. To Native Americans it was a gathering place, to George Washington it was an impediment to navigation, to thousands of visitors every year it is an awe-inspiring site. Tourists have been drawn to the Great Falls of the Potomac long before there was a canal. The Great Falls Tavern carries on a long tradition of hospitality for visitors to the C&O Canal. The Crommelin House TodayToday the Crommelin House is known as the Great Falls Tavern and serves as a visitor center for park visitors. Known Lockkeepers● Nov 1830 W. W. Fenlon - A canal construction contractor, Fenlon becomes keeper of Locks 19 and 20 as well as the caretaker of the Tavern. He is given general charge over other lockkeepers operating between locks 15-18. He also owns and operates the original Charles F. Mercer packet boat.
● ~1848 Daniel Warner ● ~1851 Daniel Collins ● June 1858 Henry Busey ● 1859-1872 G.W. Case - has the family cooking done in the basement under the southern wing ● 1873 G.W. Case dies and his widow, Elizabeth Case, takes over operations ● 1875-early 1880s Howard A. Garrett, owner of a feed store at Great Falls, leases Crommelin house from the Canal Company to operate as a hotel. ● 1878 Garrett subleases hotel to J.W. Carroll Notable Visitors● When Colonels John J. Abert and James Kearney, United States Topographical Engineers, reached Lock 20, in their examination of the Canal in June, 1831, they reported that “At this lock we found an excellent hotel kept by Mr. Fenlon. The house is built upon the ground of the company, and with the company’s funds, and is a necessary and great accommodation to those who visit this interesting work.” |
Last updated: November 4, 2023