The Secret Meaning Behind Boston’s 617 Area Code

The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill is coming up next week and there are plenty of events planned in Boston to celebrate the milestone. Between parades, historical walks, a block party, a Bunker Hill bar crawl and live reenactments of some of the most intense moments from 250 years ago, there will be no shortage of things to see and do throughout the week and into the summer.

What Events Are Happening for the Bunker Hill Anniversary?

From traditional parades and educational walking tours to a themed bar crawl and dramatic reenactments, the Bunker Hill celebration offers something for everyone. Events will run throughout the week and continue into the summer as part of the 250-year commemoration.

What Is the History Behind the 617 Area Code?

As area codes were introduced in major cities across the United States, Boston needed its own. In October of 1947, the 617 area code was assigned to cover nearly two-thirds of Massachusetts. It reached from the western edge of Worcester County across to the eastern coastline and extended south to Cape Cod, the Islands and the SouthCoast.

Over time, the region grew and new area codes were created including 508, 978 and 781. The 617 area code remained in place around Greater Boston and continues to represent the heart of the region.

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How the 617 Area Code Connects to Bunker Hill

So how does this all tie back to the Battle of Bunker Hill? The iconic battle occurred exactly 250 years ago on June 17 which is written as 617. Whether by coincidence or design, the digits of the Boston area code match the historic date of one of the most important battles of the American Revolution.