Seems that what most ppl. know about Isabella I is that she bankrolled Columbus (who by the way they say is from Catalonia). In reality she was a good competent ruler who cared for her ppl. and united most of Spain under one rule. She even got involved in making military strategy and decisions. After her, don't think Spain got many good rulers until todays current ruler. Some in Spain want to canonize her.

Following "LIFE AND TIMES OF ISABELLA OF CASTILE" tells about her many accomplishments: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/eag...ss/bucklin.html