In 1891, following a military review at Matignicourt, Sadi Carnot stopped at Vitry where he received a triumphal welcome. The Carnot monument was erected in memory of President Sadi Carnot, assassinated in 1894.
After the death of Sadi Carnot, the town of Vitry started a fund to erect a monument in his honour. 7 metres tall, the monument has a bronze medallion representing Carnot.