Area Code 503

Where Is Area Code 503?

Area code 503 is the area code for northwestern Oregon. Area code 503 is located in the Pacific Time Zone and covers 10 counties of Oregon. When area code 503 was put into service on January 1, 1947, it was one of the 86 original area codes created by AT&T. Area code 503 originally covered the entire state of Oregon until it was split to form area code 541 in 1995. In 2000, area code 503 was overlaid with area code 971.

Portland is the most populous city in Oregon and the 26th most populous city in the United States. Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County and is a major port in Oregon’s most populated region, the Willamette Valley. Portland is located 60 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and is situated at the confluence of the Willamette River and the Columbia River. Portland is one of the few cities in the United States with extinct volcanoes within its boundaries. The numerous bridges that span the Willamette River downtown has led the city to be nicknamed “Bridgetown;” the Hawthorne Bridge, the Steel Bridge, and the Broadway Bridge are over 100 years old and are the most heavily used bridges. Portland has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry, and sunny summers and cool, cloudy, and rainy winters; this climate is ideal for growing roses, which is why the city is known as the “City of Roses.”

Going back in history, the area was originally occupied by the Chinookan peoples. They were eventually decimated by smallpox and malaria when they came in contact with Europeans. Pioneer settlers arrived in the Willamette Valley via the Oregon Trail in the 1830s and by the 1840s, a new settlement emerged ten miles from the mouth of the Willamette River. In 1845, the town was named Portland after Portland, Maine. During much of the 19th century, Portland was a major port in the Pacific Northwest due to its access to the Pacific Ocean via the Willamette River and the Columbia River. Portland’s large population of Red Cedars, Douglas Firs, and Big Leaf Maple trees also helped fuel the city’s lumber industry. During the mid 20th century, Portland was a hub for underground criminal activity and organized crime and there was also an influx of hippie subculture. By the end of the 20th century, Portland experienced significant growth and the technology industry emerged.

Portland’s location has greatly benefited its economy. The Port of Portland is home to one of the largest commercial dry docks in the country and is the second largest port for wheat in the world. Portland has a thriving steel industry, has several athletic and footwear manufacturers headquartered in the city, and is home to more than 1,200 technology companies. Portland has a very rich culture; the city’s music scene has been named one of the most vibrant in the United States and the dozens of karaoke bars has led the city to be “the capital of karaoke” in the United States. With over 600 licensed food carts, Portland has been named the best city in the world for street food. Portland is also a leader in specialty coffee and is ranked as one of the top five beer destinations in the world. Portland is home to Portland State University, the second largest university in Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) and the Portland Timbers (MLS) are Portland’s two major professional sports teams. Portland is known for having one of the best park systems in America. Popular annual events in the city include the Portland Rose Festival, the Oregon Brewers Festival, and the Portland International Beerfest. Like all major cities, Portland is home to many attractions including the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the Portland Art Museum.

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