Area Code 540

Where Is Area Code 540?

Area code 540 is the area code for the northwestern and southwestern parts of Virginia. Area code 540 was put into use on July 15, 1995, and was created from a split of area code 703. On September 1, 2001, area code 540 was split to create area code 276.

Roanoke is an independent city in Southwest Virginia; independent cities are administratively independent of any county. Roanoke is located in the Roanoke Valley and bisected by the Roanoke River. Roanoke has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. The city has issues with flooding because heavy rains drain from neighboring areas to the narrow Roanoke Valley. Going back in history, the first pioneers explored the Roanoke Valley in the 17th century but farming in the valley did not begin until 1740. As more settlers arrived, new counties and communities were established. Botetourt County was created in 1769; Roanoke County was formed out of Botetourt County in 1838. The town Big Lick, named for a large outcropping of salt in the area, was established in 1852 and chartered in 1874. Big Lick was renamed Roanoke in 1881 and chartered as an independent city in 1884.

When it comes to the economy, Roanoke is a center for trade, retail, transportation, distribution, manufacturing, and health care. Roanoke is home to the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the largest employer in the city and one of the largest hospitals in Virginia. Every year, Roanoke hosts a variety of celebrations, concerts, and festivals. The Festival of Local Colors celebrates the numerous nationalities and cultural backgrounds of the Roanoke Valley while the Microfestivus Craft Beer Festival features over 70 brewers and 150 different kinds of beers. Runners from around the world come to Roanoke every year to partake in the Blue Ridge Marathon, which bills itself as “America's Toughest Road Marathon.” The biggest tourist attraction in the city is Mill Mountain Park, a beautiful 568-acre regional park that is located less than 5 minutes from downtown Roanoke. The park is best known for being home to the Roanoke Star, the iconic symbol of Virginia's Blue Ridge. The Roanoke Star sits at the top of Mill Mountain and is illuminated every night; the Roanoke Star is the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star in the world. Another big tourist attraction is Black Dog Salvage, a 40,000 square-foot warehouse that is filled with architectural antiques, commercial salvage, and countless other unique items. Black Dog Salvage has gained national attention because it is featured on the television show Salvage Dawgs on the DIY Network. Points of interest in the city include the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the O. Winston Link Museum, the Taubman Museum of Art, the Roanoke Pinball Museum, the Mill Mountain Zoo, and the Berglund Center.

Harrisonburg is an independent city nestled in the heart of the serene Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; even though it is an independent city, it is the county seat of Rockingham County. Harrisonburg has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to severe cool winters. Harrisonburg has a population of 48,914 and the racial makeup of the city is 78.4% White, 15.7% Hispanic, 6.4% African American, and 3.5% Asian (2010 Census). Harrisonburg is a fairly safe city to reside in. The Harrisonburg International Festival is an annual festival that celebrates the many cultures in the city through food, music, dance, and folk art. The Rocktown Beer & Music Festival features over 75 different beers and ciders along with performances from local and nationally touring bands. The Skeleton Festival combines two traditions, Halloween and Day of the Dead, into a big, community celebration. Points of interest in the city include the White Oak Lavender Farm, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center, the Shenandoah Heritage Market, the Explore More Discovery Museum, and the Virginia Quilt Museum.

All Virginia Area Codes By Number