In 1882 Lewis traveled through the southern states and decided to write a history of his native West Virginia, which was published by Hubbard Brothers in Philadelphia in 1889.

Two years later, the West Virginia legislature passed a joint resolution recommending it as a standard authority and a reference work for schools across the state.

Lewis received an A.M. in history from West Virginia University the following year, and also published the first state manual of primary education.

His 1896 textbook History and Government of West Virginia was utilized statewide in public schools for over fifty years.

In 1905, Governor William M. O. Dawson appointed Lewis first director of the Bureau of Archives and History, and he served in that position until his death.