Montana State Capitol was not built in the middle of a field, but instead was built at the edge of town in Helena, Montana. The photo used as evidence is taken with the photographers back to the town of Helena. There are other photos (provided below) that show buildings nearby.
Photo taken of the Montana State Capitol from the Hahn's home at 1312 8th Avenue
From the source: "This amazing photo was taken March 1, 1913 by T. T. Maroney, from just south of where Capital Hill Mall is today."
Photo taken while the Montana State Capitol was under construction, from the Hahn's home at 1312 8th Avenue.
1890 Perspective Map from Henry Wellge of Helena, Montana. Appears to be drawn facing southwest from roughly the POV of being above Helena Regional Airport. Annotated with location of the Hahn house where photos were taken in the early 1900s while the capitol was under construction, as well as the approximate future location of the capitol building itself.
