The story of Chang and Eng Bunker, the original “Siamese twins,” is one that continues to fascinate people today.
Born in Siam (now Thailand) in 1811, these conjoined twins captured the world’s attention. Their remarkable physical connection, along with their eventual rise to fame and fortune, make their lives a unique chapter in human history.
Chang and Eng were born connected at the chest by a band of flesh and cartilage. Despite this physical challenge, they learned to walk, crawl, and even swim together.
Their parents, unable to afford to raise them, eventually began exhibiting them as a curiosity. This controversial practice, though common at the time, exposed the twins to a strange and often exploitative world.
Throughout their adolescence and young adulthood, Chang and Eng traveled extensively, exhibiting themselves in Europe and the United States.
They faced discrimination and prejudice, but they also gained a certain notoriety. Their medical condition was a source of wonder for many, and they eventually used their fame to secure a better life for themselves.
In 1829, Chang and Eng met an American showman named P.T. Barnum. Barnum, recognizing their potential, offered them a lucrative opportunity to exhibit themselves in the United States.
The twins agreed, and their partnership with Barnum proved to be a turning point in their lives.
Barnum skillfully marketed Chang and Eng, portraying them not just as medical oddities but also as intelligent and personable young men.
The twins proved to be charismatic performers, and their shows drew large crowds. They earned a significant income, which allowed them to eventually retire from show business and pursue a more settled life.
In 1839, Chang and Eng used their earnings to purchase a plantation in North Carolina. They married two sisters, Sarah and Adelaide Yates, and settled into a life of relative normalcy.
Despite being conjoined, the twins managed to live surprisingly independent lives. They built separate houses for their wives and reportedly even had separate bedrooms within their shared home.
Chang and Eng fathered a total of 21 children, 10 each with their respective wives. Their unique family life attracted considerable attention, but the twins appear to have raised their children in a loving and stable environment.
Tragedy struck in 1874 when Chang, who had been suffering from illness, contracted pneumonia. Eng, unfortunately, could not be separated from his brother, and he too succumbed to the illness.
The twins died together at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy that continues to spark curiosity and debate.
