The correlation between the mechanical properties of a material in microvolumes and the material under a load has been studied. A fractographic analysis is performed for the surface of fatigue failure of a railway rail with an internal cross crack. The correlation of the fractographic features with the material structure is discussed. A sample with an internal cross crack in the rail head had been withdrawn from service after severe cyclic loading in a turnout switch. For the metallographic study, the sample was subjected to a three-point bending. Three regions with different characters of the material fracture have been revealed at the surface of the fracture.