A skull destined for an auction in Pennsylvania turned out to be the remains of a Native American from 700 years ago, rather than a Battle of Gettysburg relic, as was believed. The auction was scheduled to take place on June 3, 2014, before the sale was called off, after a public outcry. The artifact was then donated to the National Parks Service.

Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History researchers carefully examined the artifact, which was thought to be among items recovered at a Gettysburg farm in 1949. Investigators found the skull likely belonged to a Native American, who probably lived in the southwest, seven centuries ago.

The Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg National Military Park made the announcement in a joint press release. The National Museum of Natural History carried out an examination of the skull, before the remains are provided with a full burial.

The National Parks Service has announced the skull is that of a male, who lived in the late 13th Century, around the time of Marco Polo. The subject was probably in his early to mid-20's when he perished, according to forensic anthropologists.

"When we learned of these remains in June we were immediately interested in their respectful treatment, whether they were from a soldier who died at Gettysburg or not. This result is not what we expected, but we stand by our commitment to be respectful of these remains, fulfill our responsibilities, and find the best course of action for their final resting place," Ed Clark, superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, said.

The Battle of Gettysburg took place in Pennsylvania from July 1 to 3, 1863, during the American Civil War. This conflict was driven, in part, by a confederate strategy to attack Union forces in the north, putting Washington on the defensive. Following a Confederate victory at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee marched his troops northward. His forces met up with Union troops in Gettysburg, under the command of General George G. Meade. Three days of fighting ensued, and an early advance by the south was ultimately repelled, leading to the withdrawal of Confederate forces, which headed to Virginia.  

The Estate Auction Company was planning the auction of civil war memorabilia, for a hotel owner in Hagerstown, Maryland, before the event was canceled.

Further investigation revealed that several of the 13 items in the collection were not from the Battle of Gettysburg. Notarized documents declared the skull was found on a farm in Gettysburg, and law enforcement is currently investigating how and why papers were inaccurate.