Chang and Eng Bunker were conjoined twins who, on this date in 1829, journeyed to Boston from their native Siam (now known as Thailand) to be displayed. Traveling with agents Robert Hunter and Abel Coffin, Chang and Eng became world-famous, giving lectures and demonstrations here and abroad. The term “Siamese twins” derives from them, both of whom lived to be 63 years old. They died within hours of each other in 1874, in their adopted home of Surry County, N.C. Usually, Siamese twins are joined at the chest (as the Bunkers were), the hip or the abdomen. Often Siamese twins look different from one another.

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