I am guessing that it must have been a typing error. The correct spelling is Chateaugay.
The vessel was made of iron mined from Mt. Chateaugay in upstate New York and was the first iron-hulled steamboat on Lake Champlain.
NoBozo, I am so happy that you like the book! It's one of my favorites. Please note that there are a couple historical snafus regarding sinking/wrecks that I am planning to elaborate more over the upcoming winter.
I am also planning to add some more information to the
The Legacy of the M/S Mount Washington thread.
(I hope that I didn't miss-spell Chateaugay anywhere!
)