Seeking in New England suitable buildings, Lewis found them in the Lexington House, in Lexington, from Boston, and above sea level, this location being free from the fogs of the New England coast. In the spring of 1864, Lewis purchased the Lexington House, which was erected for a hotel, and fitted it up for a school for young ladies at large expense. The buildings, accommodating 200 persons, were located on the first battlefield of the American Revolutionary War.