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The American General in charge of their troops was General Pike (of Pike's Peak fame) and landed to the west of the fort. In the ensuing battle the American troops won the field and expected the British to surrender Fort York. At that time, Fort York housed almost all of the powder and shot in the entire region and the British General did not want it falling into enemy hands so he ordered the powder magazine blown up.

Whether it was the shock wave from the very powerful explosion, or from flying debris, Pike and many other troops were fatally injured. This enraged the American troops who felt it was a deliberate and heinous act and ran amok in the town of York causing damage to the buildings and her citizens and setting fire to the regional Parliament buildings.

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Q: Why did the Americans burn york in the war of 1812?
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