After 161 years of treating survivors of major catastrophes, from the sinking of the Titanic to the attacks of September 11, and leading early HIV treatments, New York's St. Vincent's Hospital closed Friday.

Faced with financial troubles and mounting debts, the historic hospital was forced to shutter its operations. By Friday, no patients were left, and about 3,500 employees were laid off.

There were a few community rallies to keep the private nonprofit hospital open, but the efforts did not succeed. There were no protests outside the hospital Friday, according to police.

Saddled by financial woes, the Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers board of directors voted to close the hospital this month.