The Original Siamese Twins
Chang and Eng Bunker were born in 1811 in Siam (now Thailand). They were conjoined twins, connected at the chest by a band of cartilage. Despite this physical connection, the brothers led remarkably independent lives, learning to walk, swim, and even run.
A Journey to Fame
In 1829, they were discovered by a British merchant and taken on a world tour as a curiosity. Their performances fascinated audiences in Europe and the United States, where they were billed as “The Siamese Twins.” Over time, they gained fame and fortune, allowing them to settle in the United States.
Family and Life in America
The Bunker brothers settled in North Carolina, where they became naturalized citizens. They married sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates, and between them, fathered 21 children. The families lived in separate homes, with the brothers alternating between households every three days.
A Shared Fate
Chang and Eng lived full lives, managing a farm and raising their large families. In 1874, Chang passed away in his sleep, and Eng followed just a few hours later, unable to survive the separation.
The Conjoined Twins Who Fathered 21 Children π¨βπ¨βπ§βπ¦
The Original Siamese Twins
Chang and Eng Bunker were born in 1811 in Siam (now Thailand). They were conjoined twins, connected at the chest by a band of cartilage. Despite this physical connection, the brothers led remarkablyβ¦ pic.twitter.com/CYIE94vbkaβ Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TBBOB2) August 13, 2024