[4] One frequently proposed idea was to divert the water of Rock Creek through a tunnel under current-day 27th Street NW, then fill in Rock Creek's beds, and extend Georgetown's streets to Washington.

[4] Many Georgetown residents disliked Rock Creek because it was filled with stagnant water and trash.

The color of the bridge's stone was intended to evoke the warm tones of Spain and Italy.

Along with the buffalo theme the arches are decorated by Indian head designs[15] by Glenn Brown based on a life mask of the Sioux Chief Kicking Bear in the Smithsonian Institution.

[23] Its four buffalo sculptures, the largest cast in a single piece of bronze, are by Alexander Phimister Proctor,[24][16] who also designed the tigers on the Sixteenth Street Bridge.

[27] According to the Commissioners' written statement, "Dumbarton bridge commemorates the name of the tract of land upon which was laid out the easterly part of Georgetown, and to which Ninian Beall received letters patent from the British crown.