In this January 31, 1978 photo, world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, right, is shown at a press conference in New York (with promoter Don King, left, and Herbert Muhammad, center), to promote Superman vs.

FORBES: When Muhammad Ali Knocked Out Kal-El

Back home Morris was a key promoter of the Erie Canal, which made New York the commercial center of the new nation--and indeed of the world.

FORBES: An American Giant