Area code 501 serves central Arkansas, including the capital city of Little Rock, as well as Conway, Hot Springs, and Jacksonville. One of the original area codes established in 1947, it initially covered the entire state before splits created 870 and 479. Today, 501 remains the most urbanized and politically significant area code in Arkansas. Ten-digit dialing is generally not required within the region. Area code 501 is deeply tied to the state's governmental, business, and cultural institutions and is often used in branding to signify statewide relevance and the heart of Arkansas.