Area Code 316 - History of Area Codes in Kansas

History of Area Codes in Kansas

Despite a relatively small population, Kansas was scheduled to receive two area codes under the original North American Numbering Plan proposal from the Bell Telephone Company in 1946. Under the original plan, area codes were to be assigned sequentially based on geography; Kansas initially received area codes 617 and 618.(1)

In October 1947, the final plan was adopted; Kansas' two area codes had been radically altered from the original plan. Southern Kansas (Dodge City, Emporia, Garden City, Wichita) received 316, while the northern half (Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, Salina, Hays) got 913. Long-distance calls using area codes would not be implemented until late 1951.

Although Kansas has historically been known for rivalries between its western and eastern halves, a north-south split was deemed necessary because its three major metropolitan areas (Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita) are in eastern or central Kansas.

Read more about this topic:  Area Code 316

Famous quotes containing the words history of, history, area, codes and/or kansas:

    Perhaps universal history is the history of the diverse intonation of some metaphors.
    Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986)

    Postmodernism is, almost by definition, a transitional cusp of social, cultural, economic and ideological history when modernism’s high-minded principles and preoccupations have ceased to function, but before they have been replaced with a totally new system of values. It represents a moment of suspension before the batteries are recharged for the new millennium, an acknowledgment that preceding the future is a strange and hybrid interregnum that might be called the last gasp of the past.
    Gilbert Adair, British author, critic. Sunday Times: Books (London, April 21, 1991)

    Now for civil service reform. Legislation must be prepared and executive rules and maxims. We must limit and narrow the area of patronage. We must diminish the evils of office-seeking. We must stop interference of federal officers with elections. We must be relieved of congressional dictation as to appointments.
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    I cannot help thinking that the menace of Hell makes as many devils as the severe penal codes of inhuman humanity make villains.
    George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)

    Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.... Now I know we’re not in Kansas.
    Noel Langley (1898–1981)