HARRISBURG, Pa. - Harrisburg has returned parts of history to the U.S. Navy. Mayor Eric Papenfuse announce the city is returning artifacts from the historic ship the "Royal Savage."
The ship was built by the British but captured by American forces in 1775 during an invasion in Canada. It was also once part of a fleet commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold.
Harrisburg has owned the ship's artifacts since 1996, when former Mayor Steve Reed bought them as part of a collection for more than $42,000.
"We do certainly believe that they are now finding their proper home," Mayor Papenfuse said. "We also recognize the navy's claim that these artifacts never should have been bought or sold, never were Harrisburg's. We were simply the custodians through time, and we now return them to the navy where they will be properly preserved."
According to the U.S. Navel and Heritage Command, the ship was damaged and sunk by American Forces.