Preserved Coleopteran remains dating to the last quarter of the 17th century were recovered from historical latrine or privy contents in Boston, Massachusetts. This analysis yielded 15 individuals of the striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius). Its presence represents the earliest known record of this species in North America and demonstrates that it was introduced at least a century earlier than previously thought. The species history and possible modes of introduction are discussed.