In 2001 the need for yet another area code emerged and 251 was created as a split from the original 334. Because of the daunting task of having to make the shift for the general public, the residents who would later be using 251 were allowed to use 334 instead up until 2002 so that they had time to make the transition nicely.
Area code 251 covers a good chunk of the south western corner of the state of Alabama, and contains in its district such notable cities as Mobile and Chatom.
Considering the fact that Mobile is served by this area code, which is the 3rd largest city in the southern united states, there are plenty of radio stations, newspapers and television stations serving this region such as WPMI 15, WFNA 55, WBLX, WMXC-HD2 and WMOB.
It certainly also has produced its fair share of great figures, especially two legendary authors Truman Capote and Harper Lee who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.
There are also plenty of universities in the area such as Alabam Southern Community College, Jefferson Davis Community College and Huntington College.
Other things worth mentioning are the fact that several movies were shot in and around the Mobile area under this area code zone including Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and Friday The 13th Part VII: The new blood.
