Area code 501 is the original area code for Arkansas, established in 1947 and once covering the entire state. After splits that created area codes 870 and 479, 501 now serves central Arkansas, including the capital city Little Rock, Conway, Benton, and Hot Springs. As the state’s most urbanized area, 501 is home to government offices, large hospitals, and the headquarters of several corporations. The 501 Day celebration (on May 1st) in Little Rock reflects how deeply the area code is embedded in local culture. The code is often used in marketing and community branding throughout the central region of Arkansas. Even as population pressures grow, 501 remains a singular identifier for the state’s political, economic, and cultural core.