Did the Siamese twins have slaves?
Olivia Hensley
Updated on March 17, 2026
The twins were treated as slaves but eventually negotiated their independence, kept their subsequent profits, bought land in Mount Airy, N.C., the town Mayberry was modeled on, married two sisters - and here's the really disturbing twist - they became slave owners.
Did conjoined twins own slaves?
They soon broke free from their enslaving masters and ran the show by themselves. Having made a fortune in a decade, they retired to western North Carolina, bought land, built houses, married two white sisters, and owned slaves.What is offensive about Siamese twins?
Usage notesSome consider the term "Siamese twin" to be offensive, as it inordinately links Thais and Thailand to the birth defect.