Area Code 254

Where Is Area Code 254?

Area code 254 can be found in Texas serving the cities of Killeen, Waco, and Temple plus many smaller cities and towns. Area code 254 is located in the Central Time Zone and covers 24 counties of Texas. Area code 254 was put into effect on May 25, 1997, and was created from a split of area code 817.

Killeen is a city in Bell County in Central Texas. Killeen is bordered to the north by Fort Hood, one of the largest United States military installations in the world. Going back in history, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway passed through Central Texas and bought over 300 acres in 1881. The land that was purchased was used to establish a town, which was named after Frank P. Killeen. By 1884, Killeen had a hotel, a lumberyard, two cotton gins, five general stores, and 350 people. Killeen continued to expand, as it became a major shipping point for cotton, grain, and wool. In 1905, Killeen’s trade area doubled when bridges were built over the water. Killeen remained a small farm trade center until Camp Hood was created in 1942. The opening of Camp Hood attracted thousands of people and turned Killeen into a military boomtown. The local economy was no longer dependent on farming but rather Camp Hood. When Camp Hood was abandoned in 1945, Killeen suffered a recession; the city boomed again when Fort Hood was established in 1950. Killeen continued to grow throughout the 1960s and by 1970, a junior college, a municipal airport, and a municipal library were added to the city.

Killeen’s economy heavily relies on nearby Fort Hood and its soldiers and their families; Fort Hood has roughly 60,000 soldiers and family members. Higher educational institutions in Killeen include Central Texas College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas. Residents and tourists do most of their shopping at Killeen Mall, which is one of two regional malls in Bell County. When it comes to entertainment, the Vive Les Arts Theatre offers live performances throughout the year while the Mayborn Science Theater is a planetarium that features star shows and laser light shows. Killeen is not that far from Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake; both lakes are perfect for activities such as fishing, boating, and camping.

Waco is a city in Texas and the county seat of McLennan County. Situated along the Brazos River and I-35, Waco is approximately 95 miles south of Dallas and 102 miles north of Austin. Waco has a population of 124,805 and the racial makeup of the city is 59.2% White, 29.6% Hispanic, 21.5% African American, and 1.8% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately the high crime rate makes Waco a dangerous city to reside in. In addition to being known for its restaurants, bars, shops, and major attractions, Waco is also the birthplace of Dr Pepper soda. Points of interest in the city include the Cameron Park Zoo, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute.

Temple is a city in Bell County in Central Texas. Going back in history, Temple was founded as a railroad town in 1881. The town was named in honor of Bernard Moore Temple, an employee with the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Company. Before Temple was incorporated in 1882, it was a town of shacks, saloons, and gangsters. Today Temple has a population of 66,102 and the racial makeup of the city is 68.1% White, 23.7% Hispanic, 16.9% African American, and 2.1% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately Temple is a dangerous city to reside in. Temple’s economy is centered on the numerous regional distribution centers and three major hospitals. Even though Fort Hood is 30 miles away, it still contributes to Temple’s economy. Points of interest in the city include the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, the Lions Junction Family Water Park, the West Temple Park, and the Temple Mall.

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