Area Code 803

Where Is Area Code 803?

Area code 803 is the area code for most of central South Carolina. Area code 803 is located in the Eastern Time Zone and covers 21 counties of South Carolina. When area code 803 was put into service on January 1, 1947, it was one of the 86 original area codes created by AT&T. Area code 803 was split in 1995 to form area code 864 and split again in 1998 to form area code 843.

Columbia is the second most populous city in South Carolina and is located in the geographic center of the state. Columbia is also the capital of South Carolina and the county seat of Richland County. Columbia is situated at the fall line of the Congaree River and is the center of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area. Columbia was one of the first planned cities in the United States and was the site of Fort Jackson, the largest United States Army installation for basic combat training. Columbia has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Going back in history, Columbia was established by the South Carolina Legislature in 1786. Columbia’s central location led to the city being chosen as the new state capital during that same year. The South Carolina College was founded in 1801, which later became the University of South Carolina in 1865. Columbia was chartered as a town in 1805 and then chartered as a city in 1854. During the early 20th century, Columbia was a regional textile manufacturing center and was the hub of a trading area. Today Columbia has a population of 129,272 and the racial makeup of the city is 51.7% White, 42.2% African American, 4.4% Hispanic, and 2.2% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately Columbia is a dangerous city to reside in. With a diverse economy, major employers in Columbia include Palmetto Health, the South Carolina state government, and the University of South Carolina. Points of interest in the city include the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, the South Carolina State House, the South Carolina State Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art, the Colonial Life Arena, and the Williams-Brice Stadium.

Rock Hill is the fifth most populous city in South Carolina and is located in York County. Rock Hill is situated along the Catawba River, approximately 70 miles north of Columbia. Rock Hill has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Going back in history, European settlers arrived in the area in the 1830s and 1840s. Rock Hill was founded when the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad Company decided to send a rail line through the area. Construction started in 1848 and the first passenger train arrived in 1852.

Once dominated by the textile industry, Rock Hills’s economy has transitioned to a relatively strong manufacturing workforce. Rock Hill is home to the Come See Me Festival, the largest and most popular festival in South Carolina. In addition to the numerous parks, there are numerous hiking, kayaking, and bicycling options throughout the city. Points of interest in the city include the Glencairn Garden, the Ebenezer Park, the Manchester Meadows Park, the Museum of York County, and the Main Street Children’s Museum.

Sumter is the ninth most populous city in South Carolina and the county seat of Sumter County. Sumter is nicknamed “Gamecock City” and is approximately 45 miles east of Columbia. Sumter started out as a plantation settlement and was incorporated as Sumterville in 1845, which was later shortened to Sumter in 1855. Sumter has a population of 40,524 and the racial makeup of the city is 49.1% African American, 45.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic, and 1.6% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately Sumter is a dangerous city to reside in. The Shaw Air Force Base is located in Sumter and is a major source of federal and civilian employment. Points of interest in the city include the Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the Sumter Gallery of Art, the Sumter Opera House, and the Sumter County Museum.

All South Carolina Area Codes By Number