 In 1860, Bishop Timon requested the Daughters of Charity open an institution for the mentally ill.They obliged, and Providence Retreat was established that same year at the current Sisters of Charity Hospital location at Main and Humboldt Streets, a 30-acre sight purchased from Dr. Austin Flint, who was the first chief of medical staff at the hospital.Even with multiple specialty facilities, Buffalo was growing faster than the healthcare system could.