History and Significance of Memphis's 901 Area Code

The History and Significance of the 901 Area Code

The 901 area code is one of the original area codes established in 1947 and covers a large portion of western Tennessee including the major city of Memphis. For many residents of Memphis and the surrounding regions, the 901 area code is a source of pride and an integral part of the city's identity.

The 901 area code was one of the first 86 area codes implemented by Bell Laboratories and the Bell System in the United States and Canada. Prior to the creation of area codes, all telephone numbers in the US and Canada were seven digits long. With the rapid expansion of telephone service after World War II, it became clear that more phone numbers would soon be needed than the seven digit system could provide.

The Bell System solution was to split North America into numbering plan areas (NPAs), each identified by a unique three digit code. When calling a number in a different area code, one would dial the three digit area code followed by the seven digit phone number. The 901 area code was assigned to cover western Tennessee.

The City of Memphis and the 901 Area Code

The major city covered by the 901 area code is Memphis. With a population of over 652,000 people, Memphis is the largest city in the state of Tennessee. The city was incorporated in 1826 and rose to prominence as a major transportation hub along the Mississippi River.

As the economic and cultural center of western Tennessee, Memphis is closely associated with the 901 area code. In fact, many residents of Memphis and the surrounding region have a strong affinity for the 901 and will often use "901" or "nine-oh-one" as a shorthand way to refer to the city itself.

This association of Memphis with the 901 area code has led to the code becoming an important part of the city's cultural identity. Many Memphis businesses incorporate 901 into their names, and you can find 901 merchandise like t-shirts and bumper stickers for sale around the city.

Growth Leads to Overlay Area Code 901

By the early 1990s, the 901 area code was on the verge of running out of available phone numbers due to Memphis's growth over the second half of the 20th century. Rather than split the 901 territory into two area codes, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority approved an overlay plan.

An overlay allows two area codes to co-exist in the same geographical area. 901 remained the primary area code, while new phone numbers could be issued with the new 731 area code overlay that was implemented in 2001.

While many cities have resisted getting a new area code, Memphians largely accepted the 731 overlay. Having to dial 10 digits for local calls was a small price to pay to keep their beloved 901. However, you will still occasionally hear local old-timers grumble about having to dial the new 731 area code.

The 901 Area Code Remains Strong

Despite the addition of the 731 area code overlay, the 901 area code remains deeply entrenched in Memphis. Callers throughout Tennessee and the rest of the US dial 901 to reach Memphis residents and businesses. The majority of existing phone numbers in Memphis still use the 901 area code.

Few other area codes engender such loyalty and pride among local residents. The 901 has become indelibly linked with Memphis culture and heritage over the 75+ years since its creation. For Memphians, the sound of "nine-oh-one" represents home.

901 in Popular Culture

The 901 area code has made its way into popular culture as well. Many songs reference "nine-oh-one" when talking about Memphis, such as "Straight Outta Cashville" by YoungBuck and "Less Than an Hour Away" by David Nail.

"901" is even the name of a song entirely devoted to the area code by Memphis rapper Duke Deuce. The music video contains lots of Memphis imagery and references to make it clear the 901 represents Memphis.

There was also a short-lived reality show on the VH1 network in 2010 called "Scream Queens" that was based out of Memphis. One team competing on the show was called "901", showing how the area code and the city are linked even to those not from Memphis.

The Future of 901

The 901 area code is here to stay - both on telephone keypads and as part of Memphis's cultural fabric. Even with the overlay area code, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority does not expect 901 to run out of numbers anytime soon.

Many Memphians are hopeful that one day 731 will be retired and 901 restored as the one and only area code for Memphis. Until then, you can expect the 901 to remain a badge of pride and an integral part of the city's identity into the foreseeable future.

So next time you see those three digits, think of the rich history and culture of Memphis that they represent.

FAQs

When was the 901 area code created?

The 901 area code was one of the original 86 area codes created in 1947 by Bell Laboratories and the Bell System in the United States and Canada. It was assigned to cover western Tennessee, including the city of Memphis.

Why is the 901 area code so strongly associated with Memphis?

As the largest city in the region covered by 901, Memphis adopted the area code as part of its cultural identity. 901 represents home for many Memphis residents, who proudly use it in business names, on merchandise, and when referring to their city.

What is the 731 area code overlay?

In 2001, the 731 area code was implemented as an overlay for the 901 area code, which was running out of available numbers. An overlay allows two area codes to exist in the same region. New phone numbers are assigned 731.

Is the 901 area code going away?

No, the 901 area code remains deeply entrenched in Memphis and throughout Tennessee. The telephone authority does not expect it to be exhausted anytime soon. Many Memphis residents hope that 731 will someday be retired and 901 restored as the sole area code.