The Montana Board of Capitol Commissioners was established by the 1895 Legislature. The Board, consisting of the governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, was given the power to review proposals submitted by contractors for the construction of a capitol building or for modifying an existing building for use as a capitol. To be approved, the building must be in a convenient location, be available by October 1, 1896, be large enough to house... all state offices, and be fire-proof, with vaults for the storage of state archives. The state would then lease the building for five years. The Board signed an initial contract with George R. Mann for the building. In 1897 the law was amended to provide for the construction of a permanent capitol building for not more than $300,000. The legislature authorized the cancellation of George R. Mann's contract and the solicitation of new bids. The board was increased to five members to consist of the governor and four citizens appointed by the governor, only one of whom could be from Helena. The 1897 legislature authorized the issuance of thirty year bonds in the amount of $350,000 for the construction of the capitol building. The cornerstone of the capitol was laid July 4, 1899 on land donated by a consortium of Helena real estate men