Our Story

“The lines are fallen into me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” 
Psalm 16:6

The story of the Valley Forge Inn is deeply rooted in faith and family. Jim and Betty Cole, who met and married in Sevier County in 1961, brought together the heritage of two mountain families: the Coles and the Quilliams who were from the Sugarlands area of what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jim started as a block and brick apprentice under his father at the young age of 12 years old and went on to become a well respected General Contractor for the remainder of his life. Betty was instrumental in her husband’s success while working their businesses and raising their three children.

Jim built the first 76 units of the Valley Forge Inn in 1987 and subsequently completed two additional sections bringing the total number of rooms to 172. Jim Jr. managed the Valley Forge Inn for the first several years, while Jim and Betty continued to manage and operate other properties in Pigeon Forge. Jim continued to build other hotels in Sevier County, all of which were eventually sold, but the family has maintained and operated the Valley Forge Inn from the beginning. In 1993, their son Joseph joined the business after graduating from college, and he continues to manage the property today. Over the years, various family members have worked at the Valley Forge Inn, with some of the grandchildren now actively employed.

“The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him”
Proverbs 20:7

After dedicating their lives to Christ in 1993, Jim and Betty made it their foremost priority to serve the Lord with humility and sincerity of heart. They consecrated the Valley Forge Inn to God’s service, using it as a platform to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of Jim’s final entries in his prayer journal, made before his passing in 2020, reads: ‘Help me, I pray, to finish my life totally dedicated to you.’ The remaining members of the Cole family continue to echo that prayer, carrying forward the legacy of faith and service.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of so many lives and to serve the incredible people who have crossed our path over the years. Since 1987, the Valley Forge Inn has not just been a place to stay, but a place where family traditions are made and memories are created. There is no greater joy than hearing from our guests about the multi-generational families who have grown up with us, returning year after year to create their own lasting memories. We feel truly blessed to be part of these stories and to continue welcoming families into our home, knowing that, for many, the Valley Forge Inn is more than just a stop along the way—it’s a cherished tradition.
God bless you!

– The Cole Family