[3] Lower Shin Pond is a large lake measuring 560 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet.

[8] In the aftermath of the American Civil War, the railroad extended its lines along the Penobscot River from Bangor to Mattawamkeag.

"[6] Residents and tourists could now take advantage of the 50-mile stage route from Mattawamkeag to Mount Chase, and supplies could be shipped in and goods or wild game out more readily.

The Shin Pond House was established in the 1870s by Charles H. Sibley and was initially Mount Chase's only hotel.

[9] The original Shin Pond House burned and was rebuilt in 1912 by Zenas L. Harvey, who added cabins to the lodging options.

After a fire in 1949, Arthur and Edna Augustine purchased the property and built a new Shin Pond House.

[13] The Driftwood Lodge and camps is located on the east side of Upper Shin Pond.

It is managed by Paul and Tracy Reed and features a guide service for bear hunters.

[14] Early workers were attracted to the Mount Chase area for opportunities working for lumber companies.

In 1881, A Gazetteer of the State of Maine, emphasized that the area was "well wooded" and offered a saw mill on Crystal Brook at the eastern side of town.

[15] However, another contemporary work pointing out that farming was by then the major occupation of Mount Chase's inhabitants.

[6] Maintaining sporting camps and offering wilderness guide services have continued as means of support to the present time.

[10][13] According to American Community Survey estimates, the most common industry category for Mount Chase is "agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining," followed by "retail trade.