1843
After receiving support from two influential New York doctors for his "idea of an inebriate asylum, where cases could be secluded, housed, and treated", Dr. J. Edward Turner traveled to Europe to observe treatment and solicit endorsements for his idea.

1854
Turner publishes "The History and Pathology of Inebriety", presents his plan to establish "a thoroughly organized hospital", to be called the United States Inebriate Asylum for the Reform of Poor and Destitute Inebriates, and seeks a charter for the institution from the New York State legislature. Turner circulates a pamphlet seeking subscriptions, or pledged contributions, stating: "The object of the institution is to provide an asylum for the poor and destitute inebriate, where his physical and moral condition will be alike the care of the physician and philanthropist, and where his labor may be rendered productive and of service to his family. With the asylum will be connected Workshops to make the institution self sufficient and relieve prisons and almshouses."

Later that year "The United States Inebriate Asylum for the Reform of Poor and Destitute Inebriates" is chartered by the New York State Legislature.