The Origin of Siamese Twins

The term Siamese twins originated from two brothers, Chang and Eng Bunker, who were born in Siam. They became global celebrities and their specific life story turned their nationality into a permanent label for all conjoined twins.

Born in 1811, these brothers traveled the world as a traveling exhibition before eventually settling down in North Carolina. They lived remarkably full lives, even marrying two sisters and fathering twenty-one children between them. Despite being physically joined at the chest, they maintained distinct personalities and interests throughout their lives. Their unique story transformed the way the public perceived physical differences during the nineteenth century.