Area code 608 serves southwestern Wisconsin, including cities such as Madison, La Crosse, Janesville, and Platteville. It was created in 1955 from a split of the original 715 area code to serve the growing population in the southern part of the state. Madison, the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin, anchors the region with its blend of education, government, and technology sectors. 608 remains a standalone area code and is deeply associated with central and southwestern Wisconsin’s academic and political identity.