A short chronological outline of concrete research carried out at the University of Colorado since the 1950's is presented. It is prefaced by a description of working conditions for researchers at U.S. universities, along with their advantages and constraints. In particular, our dependence on international cooperation and its benefits to our research are stressed. Research carried out during this time appears fairly representative of the development of knowledge about concrete and concrete structures: the transition from classical to computer-based analysis is apparent, as well as the interplay between increased analytical capabilities and the resulting need for more laboratory-based experimental information. Lastly, more recent work in relatively new fields of knowledge (concrete fracture mechanics, concrete masonry and seismic design, reliability and safety of concrete structures, post-peak-and damage mechanics) is outlined. The presentation is concluded with an extensive bibliography.