Origins & Early Life

Chang Bunker (Thai: จัน บังเกอร์) and Eng Bunker (Thai: อิน บังเกอร์) (May 11, 1811 – January 17, 1874) were Siamese-American conjoined twin brothers whose fame propelled the expression "Siamese twins" to become synonymous for conjoined twins in general. They were widely exhibited as curiosities and were "two of the nineteenth century's most studied human beings". The brothers were born in Siam (later Thailand) to a family of Chinese descent and were brought to the United States in 1829. They became known to American and European audiences in "freak shows".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Newspapers and the public were initially sympathetic to them, and within three years, the brothers left the control of their managers, who they thought were cheating them, and toured on their own. In early exhibitions, the brothers were exoticized and displayed their athleticism; they later held conversations in English in a more dignified parlor setting. In 1839, after a decade of financial success, the twins quit touring and settled near Mount Airy, North Carolina. They became American citizens, bought enslaved people, married local sisters, and fathered 21 children, several of whom accompanied them when they resumed touring. Chang...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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• 1811 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1811
• 1874 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1874