Area code 276 serves southwestern Virginia, including cities and towns such as Bristol, Galax, Martinsville, and Wytheville. It was created in 2001 from a split of area code 540 to address numbering needs in the Appalachian region. The area is known for its mountains, small towns, and traditional industries like furniture manufacturing and agriculture. 276 helps connect rural communities and supports the local economy with modern telecommunications access. It reflects the cultural and geographic distinctiveness of Virginia’s southwestern region.