Area code 803 serves central South Carolina, including the capital city Columbia and surrounding areas like Rock Hill and Sumter. Introduced in 1947, it was the original code for the entire state before subsequent splits. Now overlaid with 839, the area includes state government, military installations, and several major universities. Ten-digit dialing is required. The 803 area code is deeply associated with South Carolina’s political, academic, and cultural center, making it a powerful identifier across the Midlands region.