Area Code 304

Where Is Area Code 304?

Area code 304 is the area code for the entire state of West Virginia. Area code 304 is located in the Eastern Time Zone and covers all 55 counties of West Virginia. When area code 304 was put into service in 1947, it was one of the 86 original area codes created by AT&T. In 2009, area code 681 was put into service as an overlay area code.

Located in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, Charleston is the most populous city in West Virginia. Charleston is also the capital of West Virginia and the county seat of Kanawha County. Charleston has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and short, cold winters. Going back in history, many pioneers migrated into the western part of Virginia after the American Revolutionary War. In 1787, Colonel Savannah Clendenin built Fort Lee, the first permanent settlement. In 1794, the Virginia General Assembly officially established Charleston; the town was named Charleston after Colonel Clendenin's father, Charles. The discovery of salt brines along the Kanawha River in the early 19th century created a prosperous time and great economic growth for Charleston. During the 20th century, Charleston became the center for state government and prospered with the discovery of coal and natural gas and the expansion of the railroad. The growth of Charleston led to a huge amount of new construction; a number of those buildings still stand in the heart of downtown Charleston. In 1960, Interstates 79, 77, and 64 were designated; Charleston lies at the intersection of these interstates.

When it comes to the economy, the Charleston metropolitan area is a center of government, commerce, and industry. The Charleston Town Center is an enclosed shopping mall that opened in 1983 in downtown Charleston. It is one of the largest downtown-based shopping malls, however large portions of the mall have been converted into office space due to a shortage of retail stores. In the beginning, the Charleston Town Center caused the downtown business district to be empty since more than half the businesses closed and relocated into the mall. After a few years, the downtown business district was filled with plenty of restaurants, shops, and businesses. Charleston is home to numerous annual events such as the West Virginia Dance Festival, the West Virginia International Film Festival, and the Gazette-Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival. A popular spot for tourists and residents is the Capitol Market. Attracting over 500,000 people annually, the Capitol Market features products from West Virginia farmers, growers, and specialty retailers. Points of interest in the city include the West Virginia State Museum, the West Virginia State Capitol, the Clay Center, the West Virginia Veterans Memorial, the Kanawha State Forest, and the Charleston Civic Center.

Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, Parkersburg is the fourth most populous city in West Virginia and the county seat of Wood County. Parkersburg has a population of 31,492 and the racial makeup of the city is 94.9% White, 2.0% African American, 1.2% Hispanic, and 0.4% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately Parkersburg is a dangerous city to reside in. A popular annual event in the city is the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival, an international festival that features a wide variety of ethnic food and traditional music and dance. Another popular annual event is the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival, which features a parade, food concessions, fireworks, and arts and crafts. The biggest point of interest in the city is the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The park is located on a small island in the Ohio River and features a Palladian mansion and museum; the park is accessed by a sternwheeler riverboat. Several museums are located in Parkersburg, including the Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley, the Oil & Gas Museum, and the Blennerhassett Museum.

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