On the third floor of the Illinois Capitol there’s one place that can bring all sides of an issue together.

It’s simply known as The Rail.

It’s a piece of brass that forms a ring around the rotunda.

You can look over it, like a fence, and see below the second floor a statue commemorating the World’s Fair on the first floor from here.

The Rail is right in the middle between the two chambers: House and Senate.

And it’s something that needs a lot of upkeep - given how popular it is among school groups, lobbyists and politicians. 

Click on the image above to get to know some of the people who spend their day on The Rail.