Origins of the 901 Area Code
Table of Contents
- Origins of the 901 Area Code
- Geographical Coverage of the 901 Area Code
- Major Cities Served by the 901 Area Code
- Population and Demographics of the 901 Area Code
- Economic Profile of the 901 Area Code
- Cultural Significance of the 901 Area Code
- Historical Landmarks in the 901 Area Code
- Notable Businesses and Institutions in the 901 Area Code
- Future of the 901 Area Code
- Area Code Overlays and Changes in the 901 Area Code
- FAQ
The 901 area code was created in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). At the time, the NANP divided the United States and Canada into 86 numbering plan areas (NPAs), each assigned a three-digit area code. The 901 area code was initially assigned to the western half of Tennessee, including the city of Memphis.
Geographical Coverage of the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code covers 22 counties in western Tennessee, including the Memphis metropolitan area. The counties included in the 901 area code are:
- Shelby
- Fayette
- Tipton
- Lauderdale
- Crockett
- Haywood
- Gibson
- Carroll
- Weakley
- Henry
- Benton
- Decatur
- Hardeman
- McNairy
- Chester
- Henderson
- Hardin
- Wayne
- Lawrence
- Giles
- Marshall
- Maury
Major Cities Served by the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code serves several major cities in western Tennessee, including:
- Memphis
- Jackson
- Union City
- Dyersburg
- Martin
- Brownsville
- Covington
- Ripley
Population and Demographics of the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code is home to approximately 1.3 million people, making it the most populous area code in Tennessee. The population of the 901 area code is diverse, with a significant African American population. The area code also has a large Hispanic population, particularly in the Memphis metropolitan area.
Economic Profile of the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code is a major economic center in Tennessee. The Memphis metropolitan area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. The area code is also home to a number of major healthcare and educational institutions.
Cultural Significance of the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code is known for its rich musical heritage. Memphis is known as the "Home of the Blues" and is the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The area code is also home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum.
Historical Landmarks in the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code is home to a number of historical landmarks, including:
- The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
- The Peabody Hotel, a historic hotel in downtown Memphis
- Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley
- The Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first songs
Notable Businesses and Institutions in the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code is home to a number of notable businesses and institutions, including:
- FedEx
- AutoZone
- International Paper
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
- The University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
Future of the 901 Area Code
The 901 area code is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The Memphis metropolitan area is expected to add over 100,000 people by 2030. This growth is likely to lead to an increased demand for telephone numbers in the 901 area code.
Area Code Overlays and Changes in the 901 Area Code
In order to meet the growing demand for telephone numbers in the 901 area code, a new area code, 731, was created in 2001. The 731 area code covers the western portion of the 901 area code, including the counties of Gibson, Weakley, Henry, Benton, Decatur, Hardeman, McNairy, Chester, Henderson, Hardin, Wayne, Lawrence, Giles, Marshall, and Maury.
In addition to the 731 area code overlay, the 901 area code has also been split into two separate numbering plan areas (NPAs). The original 901 NPA covers the Memphis metropolitan area, while the new 731 NPA covers the western portion of the 901 area code.
FAQ
Q: What is the area code for Memphis, TN?
A: 901
Q: What counties are included in the 901 area code?
A: The 901 area code covers 22 counties in western Tennessee, including Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale, Crockett, Haywood, Gibson, Carroll, Weakley, Henry, Benton, Decatur, Hardeman, McNairy, Chester, Henderson, Hardin, Wayne, Lawrence, Giles, Marshall, and Maury.
Q: What is the population of the 901 area code?
A: The 901 area code is home to approximately 1.3 million people.
Q: What is the economic profile of the 901 area code?
A: The 901 area code is a major economic center in Tennessee. The Memphis metropolitan area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. The area code is also home to a number of major healthcare and educational institutions.
Q: What is the cultural significance of the 901 area code?
A: The 901 area code is known for its rich musical heritage. Memphis is known as the "Home of the Blues" and is the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The area code is also home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum.
