Area code 601 serves central and southern Mississippi, including cities such as Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and Vicksburg. It is one of the original area codes created in 1947 and originally served the entire state. As the population and demand for numbers grew, it was split to create area code 228 in 1997 and 662 in 1999. In 2006, area code 769 was added as an overlay to 601, making ten-digit dialing mandatory. Jackson, the state capital, anchors the region with its strong presence in government, education, and healthcare. 601 remains a legacy code that continues to represent the historical and political heart of Mississippi.