Today, those three area codes have decreased in size.
Sacramento is represented by 916, while San Francisco lays claim to 415, one of two area codes in the city. The 213, primarily covering central Los Angeles, is one of three area codes in that metropolitan area.
The current 209 configuration only took shape after Merced and Mariposa counties were separated from the 559 area code.
Area codes serve as geographical markers across the country, but their significance is particularly pronounced in certain regions of California.
In a state with nearly 40 million residents, California boasts 38 area codes, with Los Angeles County alone encompassing eight.
Using area codes to denote one’s location is a way to indicate the specific region within a county teeming with millions of inhabitants.
The 209 stands out for uniting a unique sub-region of California with a shared history dating back to 1849. This area encompasses the Northern San Joaquin Valley, which includes San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties, along with the Southern Mines of the Gold Country, incorporating Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Mariposa counties.
Additionally, the 209 includes small portions of three other counties – Sacramento County (mainly Galt), the western edge of Alpine County with a modest population, and the more densely populated western community of Amador County.
Approximately 40% of the 1.8 million residents in the 209 region reside in its five largest cities: Stockton (320,802), Modesto (218,464), Tracy (94,808), Manteca (90,000), and Merced (86,333).
Covering an area of 9,600 square miles, the 209 region comprises counties of varying sizes, with Tuolumne being the largest at 2,235 square miles, followed by Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Mariposa counties.
If Yosemite National Park were classified as a county, it would rank as the sixth largest in the region, underscoring its vast expanse.
The 209 region boasts impressive natural landmarks, such as the Columbia Tree in Yosemite National Park, standing at 286.1 feet, and the towering granite monoliths that define the park’s landscape.
Moreover, the region is home to diverse wildlife and expansive waterways, including the Delta in San Joaquin County, a critical hub for California’s water supply and a haven for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
In terms of agriculture, the 209 region is a powerhouse, ranking 11th in agricultural production if treated as a standalone state. Its fertile fields and orchards yield billions of dollars in crops annually, rivaling major farming states like Indiana and Missouri.
The 209’s significance extends beyond agriculture, encompassing educational institutions like UC Merced and historic landmarks such as the University of the Pacific, along with various prisons, wildlife refuges, and wineries that contribute to the region’s cultural and economic fabric.
From its scenic landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, the 209 region offers a blend of natural beauty, agricultural abundance, and historical significance that sets it apart as a distinctive and vibrant part of California.