1997 Jeep Cherokee

Make/Model: Jeep Cherokee
Year: 1997
Owner: Funds donated by Chestatee/Chattahoochee RC&D Council
U.S. Forest Service Tribute Vehicle
Original Price: $20,460

1997 Jeep Cherokee

This 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport was purchased for $1,000 through a donation from the Chestatee/Chattahoochee RC&D Council with the goal of creating a U.S. Forest Service tribute vehicle for Miles Through Time Automotive Museum. The project was the idea of local U.S. Forest Service Ranger Thomas Black, who helped arrange the donation and helped identify this specific Cherokee for the museum.

Additional donations from David & Jane Storey, Richard & Lorraine Butler, David Grisham, Scott Watson, Davy Hale, and Christopher Domack helped bring the project to life. Their support allowed the museum to purchase a new battery, starter, and ignition switch. Those parts were installed at no cost thanks to Matt Farmer of Sutton Tire Inc. in Clarkesville, Georgia.

Originally white, the Cherokee was in overall decent condition, but the hood needed to be repainted and there was a spot on the roof that needed attention. The museum asked the public whether the Jeep should remain white as a U.S. Forest Service vehicle or be transformed into the era-specific Forest Service green. Green won by an overwhelming margin. With an additional donation from the Chestatee/Chattahoochee RC&D Council, Bailey Lee of SB Customs LLC in Cleveland, Georgia completed the wrap at cost.

Today, this Cherokee stands as a tribute to the work of the U.S. Forest Service and to the generosity of the local community that helped make this exhibit possible.

PLAN YOUR VISIT