Episode 24: Caleb Lara

In this episode of Words on a Wire, host Will Rose speaks with Caleb Lara, whose work on social media and through community projects has brought renewed attention to the rich and often overlooked history of the borderland.

Lara shares how a childhood fascination with downtown architecture grew into a lifelong passion for documenting the stories hidden in El Paso’s buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes. Known for his engaging historical videos, he discusses how he researches local history—combining archival materials, oral histories, and conversations with descendants of key figures to uncover the personal stories behind the city’s past.

The conversation ranges from surprising details about historic buildings and rumored underground tunnels to the ways El Paso has quietly influenced national and even global events. Lara also talks about his nonprofit initiative Builders of the Desert, which aims to preserve regional history, restore historic sites such as gravestones at Concordia Cemetery, and help residents reconnect with the cultural legacy of the borderland.

At its heart, the discussion is about civic pride and historical awareness—how understanding the stories beneath our feet can help communities see their home in a new light.