In honor of 404 Atlanta day I thought it would be a neat idea to share a rundown of the ATL and it’s well known 404 area code.
It might come as a surprise to some but there’s actually “404 day” in Atlanta, on you guessed it, the 4th of April. The event has been going on for 12 years strong – if you’re in the area they have free tacos at 6pm.
What is Atlanta 404 day?
Atlanta’s 404 Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on April 4th (4/04) by residents of the city and the surrounding metropolitan area. The date’s format (4/04) is a nod to Atlanta’s well-known area code, 404, which serves the city and some of its immediate suburbs.
404 Day is a celebration of Atlanta’s culture, history, and the pride its residents have in their city. It is an opportunity for people to come together, support local businesses, and engage in various events and activities that showcase the city’s unique qualities. While there are no specific, formal events tied to this day, people often attend or organize gatherings, parties, concerts, and other community-oriented events to commemorate the occasion.
Atlanta’s 404 Day is not an officially recognized holiday, but it has gained popularity through social media and word of mouth in recent years. It has become a way for residents to express their love for their city and its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene.
The 404 and pop culture
The 404 Atlanta area code has become a symbol of the city and its culture, the area code often appears in pop culture where it works to represent the unique identity and pride of Atlanta residents.
Songs that specifically mention the 404 area code:
“404” by Sidney Roy: This song is titled after the Atlanta area code and features lyrics that reference the city’s culture and pride associated with the 404 area code.
“My City” by T-Roc featuring Grip Plyaz and Aleon Craft: This song specifically mentions the 404 area code in the lyrics, as the artists pay homage to their city of Atlanta.
“404 Soldierz” by 404 Soldierz: This hip-hop group from Atlanta named themselves after the area code, and their self-titled track “404 Soldierz” emphasizes their connection to the city.
“It’s a 404 Thing” by DJ Infamous: In this song, the Atlanta-based DJ Infamous pays homage to the city’s 404 area code, showcasing pride for the region.
You’ll also find the 404 mentioned in TV and movies.
“Atlanta,” a TV series created by and starring Donald Glover, follows the lives of characters living in the city. The 404 area code is referenced throughout the series as a nod to the setting.
“Baby Driver” (2017), directed by Edgar Wright, is set in Atlanta and features numerous references to the city and its culture, including the 404 area code.
The history behind Atlanta’s 404 area code
The Atlanta 404 area code has an interesting history that dates back to the inception of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. The NANP was developed to simplify and streamline the process of dialing long-distance telephone calls within the United States and its territories, as well as Canada and a few Caribbean nations. Area codes were assigned to different regions, with each code representing a specific geographic area.
The 404 area code was originally assigned to the entire state of Georgia. However, as the population grew and the demand for telephone numbers increased, it became necessary to divide the state into multiple area codes to accommodate the growing needs.
In 1954, the 912 area code was introduced to serve the southern and coastal regions of Georgia, while 404 continued to cover the northern and central parts of the state, including Atlanta. Further changes were needed as Georgia’s population continued to expand.
In 1992, the 706 area code was introduced, covering the northern and western parts of Georgia outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area. The 404 area code then primarily served the city of Atlanta and its immediate suburbs. However, the rapid growth of the Atlanta metropolitan area led to the need for additional area codes even within the city.
In 1995, the 770 area code was introduced to serve the suburbs of Atlanta, while the 404 area code was retained for the city itself and some surrounding areas. This change effectively split the Atlanta metropolitan area into two separate area codes.
The demand for telephone numbers continued to grow, and in 1998, the 678 area code was introduced as an overlay for both the 404 and 770 area codes, allowing for additional phone numbers within the same geographic area without necessitating further geographic divisions.
Its all about the culture
There are also interesting ways in which the area code is represented in the broader artistic community.
For example, Atlanta is known for its vibrant street art scene, and local artists often incorporate symbols and elements of the city’s culture into their work. It’s not uncommon to find the 404 area code represented in murals or graffiti throughout the city, showcasing pride in the community.
Many local designers and businesses create clothing, accessories, and other apparel items that feature the 404 area code as a way to represent Atlanta. These items can range from T-shirts and hats to tote bags and other accessories, with designs that celebrate the city’s identity.
All in all, there is no denying the rich culture coming out of Atlanta, the city has created some of the worlds most creative artists from musicians to actors and beyond. I’m sure the trend will continue for years to come and look forward to what they’ll come up with next.
If you need an Atlanta 404 area code phone number, we got you covered. You can use the number for your business or as a personal “2nd” phone line if you need it.
More info on the “404 day” event in Piedmont Park can be found here. Enjoy.
