The 860 area code is a telephone prefix assigned to Connecticut. This codification is the most used in the region serving more than 1.8 million of the state’s 3.55 million inhabitants.
The prefix 860 possesses a single overlay, the 959 area code. Both dialing codes cover most of Connecticut territory, except for a portion of the southwestern side, surrounded by the codifications 203 and 475.
Being the main area code of the state the prefix 860 serves six of the eight existing counties in Connecticut; including Hartford, New London, and Litchfield. On the other hand, the northern portion of the region represents the largest service area of the Connecticut telephone network.
1. History
The first dialing number added to the state’s telephone network was the 203 area code, forming part of the 86 original codifications in the North American Numbering Plan, created by the Bell System and AT&T in 1947.
The 860 code started running on August 28, 1995, becoming the second number assigned to the state and the first split from the prefix 203, which used to serve the entire region. In this way, with the introduction of the new 860 area code, the codification 203 reduced its coverage radius to southwestern Connecticut; including most of Litchfield County.
The prefix 860 was the only area code functioning in its region until August 30, 2014, when the 959 area code finally began serving, after a decade trying to include an overlay plan in the northern section of Connecticut.
2. Location
Connecticut lies in the New England region of the United States, being the southernmost state located in this zone. This state is the 29th most populous in the U.S. territory, with a population of around 3.55 million people.
Bordered by the states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York, Connecticut is the third- smallest state of the country, covering a total area of 5,567 square miles. Constituted by 169 incorporated towns, most of the state’s territory is included in the New York metropolitan area.
Located in the Eastern Daylight time zone, the 860 area code owns 267 non-unique postal area zip codes and surrounds 3680.80 square miles.
3. Adjacent codes
Connecticut telephone network is one of the smallest networks in the US, comprising just four area codes. The newest codification added to the system is the prefix 959, which is an overlay for the 860 code.
The 203 area code is the oldest prefix of the state, activated in 1947; its only overlay is the dialing code 475 activated on December 12, 2009.
This prefix possesses almost the same relevance as the 207 area code in Maine and the 508 area code in Massachusetts. And both area codes cover near regions of New England.
4. Most Important Cities in the 860 Area Code
Hartford
Hartford represents the city-state capital of Connecticut and the core city in the Greater Hartford metropolitan area. With a population estimated at 122k residents, it is the fourth most populous municipality in Connecticut.
Settled in 1635 and incorporated as a city on May 29, 1784, this location used to be the seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded the county government in 1960. Being the capital, Hartford is a center for research and education. Also, it stands out as the historic international hub of the insurance industry.
Covering a total area of 18.05 square miles, this city encloses 36 non-unique ZIP codes.
New Britain
Situated roughly 9 miles southwest Hartford in Hartford County, this city covers a total area of 13.43 square miles. Encompassing around 72k residents, New Britain is the 7th most populous city of the state and the second-most populous served by the 860 area code.
Incorporated in 1871, New Britain was an important industrial city during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This municipality is the seat of the New Britain Museum of American Art and the Central Connecticut State University, one of the most prestigious educational centers of the New England region.
Covered by the 860 area code, New Britain possesses 4 non-unique ZIP codes: 06050, 06051, 06052, and 06053.
Bristol
Incorporated as a town in 1785 and as a city in 1911, this location was originally inhabited by the Tunxis Native American tribe. Famous to be the historic center of American clock making, Bristol is home to the American Clock & Watch Museum, founded in 1952.
This suburban city corresponds to Hartford County and covers a total area of 26.81 square miles. Bristol appears as the 13th most populous municipality of Connecticut, enclosing an estimated population of 59k inhabitants.
Bristol city possesses just 2 non-unique ZIP codes: 06010 and 06011.
5. Other Important Locations and ZIP Codes of the 860 Area Code
The 860 area code and its overlay the prefix 959 surrounds six of the eight counties located in Connecticut, the most relevant counties are:
- Hartford County: Hartford is the second-most populous County of Connecticut with around 890k residents. Located in the north-central section of the state; this county covers a total area of 750 square miles, being the second largest after Fairfield County. Covered by the 860 area code, it encloses 107 ZIP codes.
- New London County: Located in the Norwich-New London, Connecticut Metropolitan Statistical Area, this county covers a total area of 772 square miles. Just like Hartford, New London has no county seat. Besides, its largest city is Norwich and disposes of 3 ZIP codes.
- Litchfield County: situated in southwestern Connecticut, a portion of this county is covered by the 203 area code. Founded in 1751, Litchfield has a population of around 180k residents and owns 44 ZIP codes.
- Tolland County: settled in 1785, Tolland is the 7th most populous county of the state, encompassing over 151k inhabitants. This county covers a total area of 417 square miles and possesses 20 ZIP codes.
Main Postal and Shipping Services
- US Post Office, Watertown, CT, - +1 860-274-9631
- Tolland Post Office Tolland, CT, - +1 860-875-1364
- Kensington Post Office, Berlin, CT, - +1 860-828-4768
- Mail Room, Manchester, CT, - +1 860-649-2756
6. FAQs
How many area codes are there in Connecticut?
The 203, 959, 860, and 475 area codes are the only codifications available in Connecticut.
What is the original area code of Connecticut?
The first area code activated In Connecticut was the 203 area code, in 1947.