Area code 206 serves Seattle and some nearby communities such as Mercer Island, Shoreline, and Bainbridge Island. As one of the original area codes established in 1947, it originally covered all of Washington state. Over time, due to rapid population growth and increased demand for phone numbers, the area code was split several times, resulting in the creation of 360, 253, and 425. Despite these changes, 206 has retained iconic status as the primary code for Seattle. It is closely tied to the city's identity, tech innovation, and cultural prominence in the Pacific Northwest.