Incorporated in 1873, the Williamsport Hospital opened its first facility April 1, 1876 at Elmira and Edwin Streets. Dr. Jean Saylor Brown was instrumental in the successful establishment and operation of the hospital. Dr. Rita Biansia Church became the first Superintendent and Resident Physician of Williamsport Hospital in 1881. The hospital was one of only 178 hospitals in the U.S. and the first general hospital in north central Pennsylvania.