Area Code 417

Where Is Area Code 417?

Area code 417 is the area code for the southwestern quadrant of Missouri. Area code 417 was put into place on January 1, 1950, and was created from a split of area codes 314 and 816. Area code 417 is located in the Central Time Zone and covers 26 counties of Missouri.

Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri and is the county seat of Greene County. Springfield is nicknamed “Queen City of the Ozarks.” Going back in history, the United States acquired the Louisiana territory from France in 1803; this was done under the Louisiana Purchase, which Missouri was included. Missouri became a state in 1821 and in 1833 most of the southern portion was designated as Greene County. The city was founded by John Polk Campbell in 1830 and then incorporated in 1838. The origin of the city’s name is debatable, but historians believe it was named for Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1838, the United States government forced the Cherokee Native Americans from their homelands. Forced to march to the land set aside for them, known as Indian Territory, their route was known as the Trail of Tears due to the deaths of thousands of Cherokee Native Americans. On their way to Indian Territory, they passed through the Springfield area via the Military Road, which is known today as the Old Wire Road. Springfield was the site of various battles such as the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in 1861, the First Battle of Springfield in 1861, and the Second Battle of Springfield in 1863. In 1865, a one-on-one pistol quick-draw duel, known as the Wild Bill Hickok-Davis Tutt shootout, occurred in Springfield, which helped spark the Wild West era. In 1926, officials in Springfield suggested the name of the Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway; Springfield then became officially recognized as the birthplace of US Route 66. In 2002, infamous mobster John Gotti died in Springfield.

When it comes to the economy, the economy is based on tourism, retail, education, manufacturing, and health care. The city is home to several universities, including Missouri State University, Evangel University, and Drury University. Springfield is filled with historical treasures, captivating attractions, and cultural and leisure activities. Shopping is done at the largest mall in Springfield, Battlefield Mall. Museums in Springfield include the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, the Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and the Route 66 Car Museum. Nature and parks in Springfield include the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, the Fantastic Caverns, the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, the Dickerson Park Zoo, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, the Springfield Botanical Gardens, and the Jordan Valley Park. Recreational activities include canoeing, fishing, hunting, hiking, and biking.

Joplin is located in Jasper County and Newton County in Missouri. During the 19th century, Joplin was the lead and zinc mining capital of the world. In 1933, infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde robbed several businesses in Joplin. During the 1960s and 1970s, almost 40 acres of Joplin’s downtown were destroyed in an attempt at urban renewal. In 2011, an EF5 tornado struck the city, killing an estimated 150 people and causing almost $3 billion in damages. Today Joplin has a population of 50,150 and the racial makeup of the city is 87.6% White, 4.5% Hispanic, 3.3% African American, and 1.6% Asian (2010 Census). Like Springfield, Joplin has an extremely high crime rate and ranks among the most dangerous cities in Missouri. Joplin has a humid subtropical climate and is located in Tornado Alley. The city is home to Missouri Southern State University. Points of interest in Joplin include Grand Falls, Cunningham Park, Sandstone Gardens, the Joplin Museum Complex, and the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center.

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