The neighborhood began as farmland , became residential in the early 19th century , then transitioned into a mercantile one centered on produce , dry goods , and textiles , before being colonized by artists and then actors , models , entrepreneurs and other celebrities . The neighborhood is home to the Tribeca Film Festival , which was created in response to the September 11 attacks , to reinvigorate the neighborhood and downtown after the destruction caused by the terrorist attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Tribeca