Gulfport, MS Area Information

Area Code 228: Mississippi's Coastal Region

Area code 228 serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast, covering a vibrant region known for its beautiful beaches, casino resorts, and rich cultural heritage. This area code, established in 1997, encompasses some of Mississippi's most popular coastal cities and tourist destinations.

Coverage and History

Implemented on March 14, 1997, area code 228 was created from a split of the 601 area code. It primarily serves:

• Gulfport
• Biloxi
• Pascagoula
• Ocean Springs
• Bay St. Louis

The introduction of 228 reflected the region's growth and the need for more telephone numbers in this economically significant part of Mississippi.

Local Attractions and Points of Interest

The 228 area boasts numerous attractions, including:

• Biloxi's casino resorts
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Beauvoir (Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library)
• Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport
• Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs

These sites offer a mix of entertainment, natural beauty, history, and culture for residents and visitors alike.

Neighboring Area Codes

The 228 area code is adjacent to:

• 601 (central Mississippi, including Jackson)
• 251 (southwestern Alabama, including Mobile)
• 504 (southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans)

Phone Number Insights

In today's digital age, understanding the origin of a phone number is crucial for personal and business communications. A 228 area code indicates a caller from Mississippi's Gulf Coast region, but it's always wise to verify unknown numbers. For a thorough reverse phone lookup, consider using Phone Detective. This tool can help you identify callers and protect yourself from potential scams or unwanted calls.

Economic Landscape

The 228 region has a diverse economy, with key sectors including:

• Tourism and hospitality
• Casino gaming
• Seafood industry
• Shipbuilding and aerospace
• Military (Keesler Air Force Base)

The presence of casinos and beautiful beaches contributes significantly to the area's economic vitality and attracts millions of visitors annually.

Education and Research

The 228 area is home to several important educational institutions, including:

• University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• William Carey University Tradition Campus

These institutions play crucial roles in research, workforce development, and supporting the region's industries.

Cultural Heritage

The 228 area code region is known for its rich cultural heritage, including:

• Gulf Coast seafood cuisine
• Annual events like Cruisin' The Coast
• Art communities, especially in Ocean Springs
• Diverse musical traditions, including blues and country

Natural Environment

The 228 area offers numerous outdoor attractions:

• 26 miles of white sand beaches
• Barrier islands accessible by boat
• De Soto National Forest
• Coastal waterways ideal for fishing and water sports

Resilience and Recovery

The 228 region has shown remarkable resilience in the face of natural disasters, most notably Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The area's recovery and redevelopment efforts have reshaped the coast while preserving its unique character and charm.

Conclusion

The 228 area code represents a region of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic diversity along Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Whether you're receiving a call from this area or planning a visit to the region, understanding the significance of 228 provides valuable context about this dynamic part of the Magnolia State.

For more information on phone numbers and area codes across the United States, explore our other state pages or use our phone number lookup tools. Stay informed and connected with Phone Detective, your trusted resource for phone number information and security.