Constitution‘s control center was the quarterdeck, the part of the spar deck behind the main mast. Here officers guided the ship’s course and gave orders to trim the sails to launch an attack! For young midshipmen, the quarterdeck was a classroom, where they learned the skills and customs of command. To mere sailors it was a special place of ceremony and honor. They were respectful and polite when they came here to haul a line, or fire guns in battle.