NUVEEN TAX FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 949
487, 1997-07-08
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<PAGE>
                                                    FILE NO. 333-28775
                                                    40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-6
 
For  Registration  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933  of  Securities  of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on
Form N-8B-2
 
   
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                 <C>
A.  Exact name of Trust: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 949
 
B.  Name of Depositor:  JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
 
C.  Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:
 
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
D.  Name and complete address of agents for service:
 
                        JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                        Attn: Gifford R. Zimmerman
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
                        CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                        Attn: Eric F. Fess
                        111 West Monroe Street
                        Chicago, Illinois 60603
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
 
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
/ / on July 8, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
 
/ / on July 8, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486
E.  Title and amount of  securities being registered: An  indefinite number of Units  as
    permitted by Rule 24f-2.
 
F.  Proposed  maximum offering price  to the public of  the securities being registered:
    Not presently determinable.
 
G.  Amount of filing fee: $0.
 
H.  Approximate date of proposed sale  to the public: As  soon as practicable after  the
    effective date of the Registration Statement.
 
/X/ Check  box if it is proposed that this  filing will become effective on July 8, 1997
    at 1:30 P.M. pursuant to Rule 487.
</TABLE>
    
 
<PAGE>
                     NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 949
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
 
                    PURSUANT TO RULE 404(C) OF REGULATION C
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                (FORM N-8B-2 ITEMS REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 1 AS
                           TO PROSPECTUS ON FORM S-6)
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
FORM N-8B-2                                                FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER                                                HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
 
          I. ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
 1.  (a)  Name of trust                                 )  Prospectus Part A -- Cover Page
     (b)  Title of securities issued                    )
 2.  Name and address of Depositor                      )  Information About the Sponsor
 3.  Name and address of Trustee                        )  Information About the Trustee
 4.  Name and address of principal Underwriter          )  Information About the Sponsor
 5.  Organization of trust                              )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
 6.  Execution and termination of Trust Agreement       )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
                                                        )  Information About The Trustee
                                                        )  Other Information
 7.  Changes of Name                                    )  *
 8.  Fiscal Year                                        )
 9.  Litigation                                         )
 
          II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND SECURITIES OF THE TRUST
10.  General Information regarding trust's securities   )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made to Unitholders?
                                                        )  Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge?
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts?
                                                        )  Information About the Trustee
                                                        )  Information About the Sponsor
                                                        )  Other Information
                                                        )  What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders?
11.  Type of securities comprising units                )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
                                                        )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  What Are The Objectives Of The Trusts?
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
12.  Certain information regarding                      )  *
     periodic payment certificates                      )
13.  (a)  Load, fees, expenses, etc.                    )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  Market For Units
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
                                                        )  What Are Estimated Long Term Return
                                                        )  And Estimated Current Return?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  Summary Of Portfolios
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
     (b)  Certain information regarding                 )  *
          periodic payment certificates                 )
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
     (c)  Certain percentages                           )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  Market For Units
                                                        )  What Are Estimated Long Term Return
                                                        )  And Estimated Current Return?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date Of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
     (d)  Certain other fees, etc. payable by holders   )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds Determined
                                                        )  At The Date Of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  Ownership And Transfer Of Units
     (e)  Certain profits receivable by depositor,      )  Composition Of Trusts
          principal underwriter, trustee or             )
          affiliated persons                            )
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
 
     (f)  Ratio of annual charges to income             )  *
14.  Issuance of trust's securities                     )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
15.  Receipt and handling of payments                   )  *
     from purchasers                                    )
16.  Acquisition and Disposition of                     )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
     Underlying Securities                              )
                                                        )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
                                                        )  Other Information
17.  Withdrawal or redemption                           )  Market For Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
18.  (a)  Receipt and disposition of income             )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
     (b)  Reinvestment of distributions                 )  Accumulation Plan
     (c)  Reserves or special funds                     )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
     (d)  Schedule of distributions                     )  *
19.  Records, accounts and reports                      )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
20.  Certain miscellaneous provisions of                )  Information About the Trustee
     Trust Agreement                                    )
                                                        )  Information About the Sponsor
                                                        )  Other Information
21.  Loans to security holders                          )  *
22.  Limitations on liability                           )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  Information About The Trustee
23.  Bond arrangements                                  )  *
24.  Other material provisions of Trust Agreement.      )  *
 
          III. ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATED PERSONS OF DEPOSITOR
25.  Organization of Depositor                          )  Information About the Sponsor
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
26.  Fees received by Depositor                         )  *
27.  Business of Depositor                              )  Information About the Sponsor
28.  Certain information as to officials                )  *
     and affiliated persons of Depositor                )
29.  Voting Securities of Depositor                     )  Information About the Sponsor
30.  Persons controlling Depositor                      )
31.  Payments by Depositor for certain                  )
     services rendered to trust                         )
32.  Payments by Depositor for certain                  )  *
     other services rendered to trust                   )
33.  Remuneration of employees of Depositor             )
     for certain services rendered to trust             )
34.  Remuneration of other persons for                  )
     certain services rendered to trust                 )
 
          IV. DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
35.  Distribution of trust's securities by states       )  *
36.  Suspension of sales of trust's securities          )
37.  Revocation of authority to distribute              )
38.  (a)  Method of distribution                        )
     (b)  Underwriting agreements                       )  How Units of The Trusts Are
                                                        )  Distributed To The Public
     (c)  Selling agreement                             )
39.  (a)  Organization of principal underwriter         )  Information About The Sponsor
     (b)  NASD membership of principal underwriter      )
40.  Certain fees received by principal underwriter     )  *
41.  (a)  Business of principal underwriter             )
     (b)  Branch offices of principal underwriter       )  *
     (c)  Salesmen of principal underwriter             )
42.  Ownership of trust's securities by                 )  *
     certain persons                                    )
43.  Certain brokerage commissions received             )  *
     by principal underwriter                           )
44.  (a)  Method of valuation                           )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
     (b)  Schedule as to offering price                 )  *
     (c)  Variation in offering price to                )  How Is the Public Offering Price
          certain persons                               )  Determined?
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
45.  Suspension of redemption rights                    )  *
46.  (a)  Redemption valuation                          )  Unit Value and Evaluation
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
     (b)  Schedule as to redemption price               )  *
47.  Maintenance of position in underlying              )  How Is the Public Offering Price
     securities                                         )  Determined?
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
          V. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN
48.  Organization and regulation of Trustee             )  Information About The Trustee
49.  Fees and expenses of Trustee                       )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
50.  Trustee's lien                                     )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
 
          VI. INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
51.  Insurance of holders of trust's securities         )  *
 
          VII. POLICY OF REGISTRANT
52.  (a)  Provisions of trust agreement with            )  What Are Normal Trust Operating
          respect to selection or elimination           )  Expenses?
          of underlying securities                      )
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
     (b)  Transactions involving elimination            )  *
          of underlying securities                      )
     (c)  Policy regarding substitution or              )  Summary of Portfolios
          elimination of underlying securities          )
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
     (d)  Fundamental policy not otherwise covered      )  *
53.  Tax status of trust                                )  What Is The Tax Status Of Unitholders?
 
          VIII. FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION
54.  Trust's securities during last ten years           )  *
55.                                                     )
56.  Certain information regarding                      )  *
     periodic payment certificate                       )
57.                                                     )
58.                                                     )
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
* Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required.
<PAGE>
   
                                  JULY 8, 1997
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
    
                                           A
   
NUVEEN                   NUVEEN OHIO INSURED TRUST 143
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 949)
    
                                               CUSIP NUMBERS:
   
                                               Monthly:               67102G 464
                                               Quarterly:             67102G 472
                                               Semi-Annually:         67102G 480
    
   
                   PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- 949
 THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
                                   PART B OF
  THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 8, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
                                   REFERENCE
   HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
                                   REFERENCE.
    
    Ohio   Insured  Trust  143   (the  "Trust")  consists   of  a  portfolio  of
interest-bearing obligations  issued by  or  on behalf  of  the State  of  Ohio,
certain  United  States Territories  or  authorities and  political subdivisions
thereof which,  in  the  opinion  of recognized  bond  counsel  to  the  issuing
authorities,  provide income  which is exempt  from Federal income  tax and Ohio
state and local income tax, to the extent indicated below.
    The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state  income
taxes,  and conservation  of capital. The  objectives are,  of course, dependent
upon the continuing  ability of the  issuers, obligors and/or  insurers to  meet
their respective obligations.
    The  Portfolio of  the Trust  consists of  7 obligations  issued by entities
located in Ohio and one obligation issued by an entity located in the  Territory
of  Puerto Rico. The  Bonds in the  Trust are either  general obligations of the
governmental entity issuing them and are  backed by the taxing power thereof  or
are  payable as to principal and interest  from the income of a specific project
or authority and  are not supported  by the  issuer's power to  levy taxes.  The
sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NUMBER OF                                              PORTFOLIO
      ISSUES                PURPOSE OF ISSUE                PERCENTAGE
  ---------------  ----------------------------------------------------
  <C>              <S>                                     <C>
         2         Health Care Facility Revenue                 28.5   %
         1         Bridge and Toll Road Revenue                 14.3
         1         Education Revenue                            14.3
         1         Transportation                               14.3
         1         Miscellaneous Revenue                        14.3
         1         General Obligation                            8.6
         1         Water and/or Sewer Revenue                    5.7
</TABLE>
 
    Approximately  34.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 31.3% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount obligations. Certain of these original  issue
discount  obligations, amounting to  5.7% of the  aggregate principal amount and
1.5% of  the aggregate  offering price  of the  Bonds in  the Trust,  are  "zero
coupon"  bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus for a discussion
of  the  characteristics  of  such  obligations  and  of  the  risks  associated
therewith.
    All  of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained
from the  MBIA  Insurance  Corporation guaranteeing  payment  of  principal  and
interest  when due. As a  result of such insurance, the  Bonds in the Trust have
received a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by  Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
   
    The  Trust is considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Health Care Facility
Revenue Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including  increased
governmental regulation, fluctuating occupancy levels and increased competition.
For  a  discussion of  the risks  associated  with investments  in the  bonds of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
    
   
                             ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
                  REGARDING THE NUVEEN OHIO INSURED TRUST 143
         ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, JULY 7, 1997
    
         Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
         Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  -------------------------------------------
 
The income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been  calculated
for   Unitholders  receiving  monthly,  quarterly  or  semi-annual  distribution
options.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $     3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................           35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....         1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $     3,351,706
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $         95.76
    Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
     Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit)..........  $          4.93
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        100.69
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $         95.29
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $         95.76
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $          5.40
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $          4.93
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)...........       26.2 years
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
Information   contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration statement  relating to  these securities  has been  filed with  the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior  to the time the registration statement  becomes
effective.  This  Prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these  securities
in  any State in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
 
                                     1 of 7
<PAGE>
                         ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MONTHLY        QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
  <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
  Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
    Interest Income Per Unit
      Annual Interest Income(3)............         $5.1593         $5.1593        $5.1593
      Less Estimated Annual Expense........          $.2341          $.2021         $.1831
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
      Estimated Net Annual Interest
        Income(4)..........................         $4.9252         $4.9572        $4.9762
  Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit...........         $.01368         $.01377        $.01382
  ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5)..............            4.89%           4.92%          4.94 %
  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............            4.92%           4.95%          4.97 %
  Trustee's Annual Fees(6).................         $1.4738         $1.1538        $0.9638
Date of Deposit.......................................................................................July 8, 1997
Settlement Date......................................................................................July 11, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02971 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
The evaluation time for purpose  of sale, purchase or  redemption of Units is  4
p.m.  Eastern time or as of  any earlier closing time on  a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.  (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
   
(1) Units  are offered at  the Public Offering Price  plus accrued interest from
    the preceding Record  Date to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement
    (normally  three business days  after purchase). The Date  of Deposit of the
    Fund has  been  designated  as  the  First Record  Date  for  all  plans  of
    distribution  of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
    of Deposit, $.04 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
    the Public Offering  Price. (See "WHAT  IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"  in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.)
    
 
(2) The  Average Maturity  of Bonds  in the Trust  is calculated  based upon the
    stated maturities of the Bonds in the  Trust (or, with respect to Bonds  for
    which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
    a  stated call  date, based  upon such call  date). The  Average Maturity of
    Bonds in the  Trust may  increase or  decrease from  time to  time as  Bonds
    mature or are called or sold.
 
(3) Assumes  delivery of  all Bonds. (See  "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" appearing in
    Part B of this  Prospectus.) Interest income does  not include accretion  of
    original  issue  discount on  "zero coupon"  Bonds, Stripped  Obligations or
    other original issue discount Bonds. (See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)
 
(4) The  amount and  timing of interest  distributions from the  Trust under the
    various plans of distribution  are set forth below.  It is anticipated  that
    the  amount of interest to  be distributed per Unit  in each year under each
    plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the  Estimated
    Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
    be  distributed  annually  per  Unit, will  generally  change  as  Bonds are
    redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
(5) Estimated Long  Term Return  for the  Trust represents  the average  of  the
    yields  to  maturity  (or  call)  of  the  Bonds  in  the  Trust's portfolio
    calculated in  accordance  with  accepted bond  practices  and  adjusted  to
    reflect  a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
    Return is computed by  dividing the Net Annual  Interest Income per Unit  by
    the  Public Offering  Price, and in  contrast to Estimated  Long Term Return
    does not reflect the  amortization of premium or  accretion of discount,  if
    any.  For  more information  see "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG TERM  RETURN AND
    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
(6) Each Trustee annual  fee is per  $1,000 principal amount  of the  underlying
    Bonds  in  the  Trust  for  that portion  of  the  Trust  that  represents a
    particular plan of distribution.
 
(7) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    organizational   costs  (including  costs   of  preparing  the  registration
    statements, the  trust indenture  and other  closing documents,  registering
    Units  with the Securities  and Exchange Commission  and states, the initial
    audit of the Trust  portfolio, initial evaluation fees,  legal fees and  the
    initial  fees and  expenses of  the Trustee  but not  including the expenses
    incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
    incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other  advertising
    materials  and any  other selling expenses)  as is common  for mutual funds.
    Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
    "WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
    "Statement of  Condition." Historically,  the  sponsors of  unit  investment
    trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
 
                                     2 of 7
<PAGE>
                             INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
 
    Details  of interest distributions  per Unit of the  Trust under the various
plans appear in  the following table  based upon estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          NORMAL
                                                                                                      DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                  1997                             1998                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        8/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................       8/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .3146(1)                                                  $  4.9252
                                                          --------  $.4104 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .3146(1)   $  1.2384(2)   $  1.2384      $  1.2384        $  4.9572
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .3146(1)   $  1.2438(3)                  $  2.4876        $  4.9762
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Record  Dates for  semi-annual distributions  are May  1 and  November 1; for
   quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
   Record Dates  for monthly  distributions are  the first  day of  each  month.
   Distribution  Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
   month  in  which  the  respective   Record  Date  occurred.  For   additional
   information  see "WHEN ARE  DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?"  in Part B of
   this Prospectus.
 
(1) The first distribution will  be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of  the
    distribution  plan selected.  Such distribution may  be more or  less than a
    regular monthly distribution.
 
(2) Regular 3-month distribution.
 
   
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
    3-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual  distributions will be  regular
    6-month distributions.
    
 
                               OHIO RISK FACTORS
 
    The  financial  condition  of  the  State of  Ohio  is  affected  by various
national,  economic,   social  and   environmental  policies   and   conditions.
Additionally,  Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters  may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and,  therefore,  the ability  of  the issuers  of  the Bonds  to  satisfy their
obligations. The  State operates  on the  basis  of a  fiscal biennium  for  its
appropriations  and expenditures, and is precluded by law from ending its fiscal
year or fiscal biennium in a deficit position.
 
    The economic vitality of the State  and its various regions and,  therefore,
the  ability of the  State and its  local governments to  satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by numerous factors. While diversifying more into the service and other
non-manufacturing areas, the Ohio economy continues  to rely in part on  durable
goods  manufacturing,  largely  concentrated in  motor  vehicles  and equipment,
steel, rubber products and household  appliances. As a result, general  economic
activity,  as  in many  other industrially-developed  states,  tends to  be more
cyclical than in some other states and in the nation as a whole. Agriculture  is
an  important segment of the economy, with over half the State's area devoted to
farming and approximately 15% of total employment in agribusiness.
 
    The State is a party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State  governmental operations and consequently  its
ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
 
    Further  information  concerning State  risk  factors may  be  obtained upon
written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER  INFORMATION
- -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
                                   TAX STATUS
 
    For  a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    The Trust is comprised primarily  of interest-bearing obligations issued  by
or  on behalf of the State of  Ohio, political subdivisions thereof, or agencies
or instrumentalities thereof (the "Ohio Obligations"), or by the governments  of
Puerto   Rico,  the  Virgin  Islands,  the  Northern  Mariana  Islands  or  Guam
(collectively, "Obligations").
 
    In the opinion  of Squire, Sanders  & Dempsey, special  Ohio counsel to  the
Trust,  provided that at  all times at least  fifty percent of  the value of the
total assets of the Trust consist of Ohio Obligations, or similar obligations of
other states or their subdivisions, under existing Ohio law:
 
        The Trust is not taxable as  a corporation or otherwise for purposes  of
    the  Ohio personal income  tax, Ohio school district  income taxes, the Ohio
    corporation franchise tax, or the Ohio dealers in intangibles tax.
 
        Income of the Trust will be treated as the income of the Unitholders for
    purposes of the Ohio personal income  tax and municipal and school  district
    income taxes in Ohio and the Ohio corporation franchise tax in proportion to
    the respective interest therein of each Unitholder.
 
                                     3 of 7
<PAGE>
        Interest  on  Obligations held  by  the Trust  is  exempt from  the Ohio
    personal income tax, and municipal and school district income taxes in Ohio,
    and is excluded from the net  income base of the Ohio corporation  franchise
    tax when distributed or deemed distributed to Unitholders.
 
        Proceeds  paid under insurance  policies, if any, to  the Trustee of the
    Trust representing maturing  interest on defaulted  obligations held by  the
    Trust  that is  excluded from gross  income for federal  income tax purposes
    will be exempt from  the Ohio personal income  tax and municipal and  school
    district  income  taxes  in  Ohio  and  the  net  income  base  of  the Ohio
    corporation franchise tax.
 
        Gains and losses realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition  by
    the Trust of Ohio Obligations are excluded in determining adjusted gross and
    taxable  income for purposes of the  Ohio personal income tax, and municipal
    and school district  income taxes  in Ohio, and  are excluded  from the  net
    income base of the Ohio corporation franchise tax when distributed or deemed
    distributed to Unitholders.
 
                                     4 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                         NUVEEN OHIO INSURED TRUST 143
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 949)
          SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, JULY 8, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
 Principal         by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's        Price
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      State of Ohio, Turnpike Revenue Bonds, 1996         2006 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       500,000
                   Series A, Issued by the Ohio Turnpike
                   Commission, 5.50% Due 2/15/26. (Original
                   issue discount bonds delivered on or about
                   June 20, 1996 at a price of 93.50% of
                   principal amount.)
    500,000      City of Cleveland, Ohio, Parking Facilities         2006 at 102        AAA         Aaa             502,030
                   Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1996, 5.50%
                   Due 9/15/22.
    500,000      County of Cuyahoga, Ohio, Hospital Improvement      2006 at 102        AAA         Aaa             504,930
                   and Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1996A
                   (University Hospitals Health System, Inc.
                   Project), 5.625% Due 1/15/21.
    500,000      City of Dayton, Ohio, Airport Revenue Refunding     2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa             494,160
                   Bonds, Series 1995 (James M. Cox Dayton
                   International Airport), 5.25% Due 12/1/15.
    200,000      City of Huber Heights, Ohio, Water System        No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa              50,416
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 0.00% Due
                   12/1/22. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about September 29, 1995 at a
                   price of 19.031% of principal amount.)
    500,000      Kent State University (Ohio), General Receipts      2006 at 102        AAA         Aaa             502,045
                   Bonds, Series 1996, 5.50% Due 5/1/28.
    500,000      County of Lorain, Ohio, Hospital Facilities         2007 at 102        AAA         Aaa             498,125
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1997B (Catholic
                   Healthcare Partners), 5.50% Due 9/1/27.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about May 15, 1997 at a price of 94.711%
                   of principal amount.)
    300,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2006 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             300,000
                   Bonds of 1996 (General Obligation Bonds.),
                   5.40% Due 7/1/25.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,351,706
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
    (1)  The Sponsor's contracts to purchase Bonds  were entered into on July 7,
1997. Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of  Deposit
is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ANNUAL
                                                           PROFIT      INTEREST
                                              COST TO     (OR LOSS)    INCOME TO    BID PRICE
                   TRUST                      SPONSOR    TO SPONSOR      TRUST      OF BONDS
  ----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  Ohio Insured Trust 143..................  $ 3,339,916  $   11,790   $  180,575   $ 3,335,331
</TABLE>
    
 
   
In  addition,  the difference  between the  Trustee's determination  of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .47%. Neither  cost
to  Sponsor nor  profit (or  loss) to  Sponsor reflects  underwriting profits or
losses received  or  incurred  by  the  Sponsor  through  its  participation  in
underwriting syndicates. The Sponsor participated as either the sole underwriter
or manager or as a member of the syndicates which were the original underwriters
of 14.3% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds.
    
 
    (2)  The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices,  shown. Unless  otherwise  indicated, the  Bonds, except  for  Bonds
issued  at a  substantial original issue  discount, are  redeemable at declining
prices (but not below  par value) in subsequent  years. Original issue  discount
bonds,  including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue  price  plus  the  amount  of  original  issue  discount  accreted  to
redemption  plus, if applicable, some premium,  the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The  Bonds may also be  subject to sinking fund  redemption
without  premium  prior to  the dates  shown.  Certain Bonds  may be  subject to
redemption without  premium prior  to  the date  shown  pursuant to  special  or
mandatory  call provisions specified in the  instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of  such Bonds.  See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS", "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    (3)  All the  Bonds in the  Insured Trusts,  as insured by  the Insurer, are
rated AAA  by  Standard &  Poor's,  AAA by  Fitch  and/or Aaa  by  Moody's.  The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on  the Bonds when due  but does not cover  certain market risks associated with
fixed income  securities  such  as accelerated  payments,  premiums  payable  on
mandatory  redemptions or interest rate  risks. (See "WHY AND  HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?" in  Part B  of this  Prospectus and  "Description of  Ratings" in  the
Information Supplement.)
 
                                     5 of 7
<PAGE>
                             Statement of Condition
 
   
                         NUVEEN OHIO INSURED TRUST 143
    
 
   
                    (Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949)
    
 
   
                               AS OF JULY 8, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
    TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
  backed by an irrevocable letter of
  credit(1)(2)....................................  $    3,351,706
Accrued interest to July 8, 1997 on underlying
  Bonds(1)........................................          46,320
Organizational costs(3)...........................           5,200
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,403,226
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
   LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to July 8, 1997 on underlying
     Bonds(4).....................................  $       46,320
    Accrued organizational costs(3)...............           5,200
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $       51,520
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest
     outstanding (35,000)
      Cost to investors(5)........................  $    3,524,386
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)....        (172,680)
                                                    --------------
    Net amount applicable to investors............  $    3,351,706
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,403,226
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Represented  by contracts to  purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds  which include "when
    issued" or  "regular  way" or  "delayed  delivery" contracts  for  which  an
    irrevocable  letter of  credit issued  by a  major commercial  bank has been
    deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
    of credit  and any  cash  deposited exceeds  the  amount necessary  for  the
    purchase  of the Bonds plus accrued interest  to the Date of Deposit. At the
    Date of Deposit, Bonds  may have been delivered  to the Sponsor pursuant  to
    certain  of these contracts; the Sponsor has  assigned to the Trustee all of
    its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the  Bonds
    listed  under "Schedule of Investments" herein,  and their aggregate cost to
    the Trust are the  same. Such offering prices  were determined by Kenny  S&P
    Evaluation  Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
    business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
    PRICE OF THE BONDS  DETERMINED AT THE  DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in  Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)  Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
    of all principal of and interest on  the Bonds in an Insured Trust has  been
    obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
    not  guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
    the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
    include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
 
(3) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    estimated  organizational costs  which will  be deferred  and amortized over
    five years from the Date of Deposit.
 
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus,  advancement by  the Trustee of  an amount equal  to the accrued
    Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
 
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed  as
    set  forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
    this Prospectus.
 
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price  has
    been  calculated on the assumption that the  Units sold are not subject to a
    reduction of sales  charge for  quantity purchases.  In single  transactions
    involving  500 Units or more, the sales  charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
    PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
                                     6 of 7
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN  NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS  OF
OHIO INSURED TRUST 143:
    
 
   
    We  have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in  Part A of this Prospectus) of  Ohio
Insured  Trust 143 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust, Series 949), as of
July 8, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the  Sponsor.
Our  responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audit.
    
 
    We conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities,   described  in  Note   (1)  to  the   statement  of  condition,  by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used  and significant  estimates  made by  the  Sponsor, as  well  as
evaluating  the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In our opinion, the statement of  condition and the schedule of  investments
at  date of deposit referred to above  present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial  position  of Ohio  Insured  Trust 143  as  of July  8,  1997,  in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Chicago, Illinois,
July 8, 1997.
    
 
                                     7 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                                  JULY 8, 1997
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
    
                                           A
   
NUVEEN               NUVEEN PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 226
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 949)
    
                                               CUSIP NUMBERS:
   
                                               Monthly:               6706H7 227
                                               Quarterly:             6706H7 235
                                               Semi-Annually:         6706H7 243
    
   
                   PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- 949
 THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
                                   PART B OF
  THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 8, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
                                   REFERENCE
   HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
                                   REFERENCE.
    
   
    Pennsylvania  Insured Trust  226 (the  "Trust") consists  of a  portfolio of
interest-bearing  obligations  issued  by   or  on  behalf   of  the  State   of
Pennsylvania,  certain United  States Territories  or authorities  and political
subdivisions thereof which,  in the opinion  of recognized bond  counsel to  the
issuing  authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and
Pennsylvania state and local income taxes, to the extent indicated below.
    
    The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state  income
taxes,  and conservation  of capital. The  objectives are,  of course, dependent
upon the continuing  ability of the  issuers, obligors and/or  insurers to  meet
their respective obligations.
   
    The  Portfolio of  the Trust  consists of  8 obligations  issued by entities
located in Pennsylvania. The Bonds in  the Trust are either general  obligations
of  the governmental  entity issuing  them and  are backed  by the  taxing power
thereof or  are payable  as  to principal  and interest  from  the income  of  a
specific  project or authority  and are not  supported by the  issuer's power to
levy taxes. The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NUMBER OF                                              PORTFOLIO
      ISSUES                PURPOSE OF ISSUE                PERCENTAGE
  ---------------  ----------------------------------------------------
  <C>              <S>                                     <C>
         2         Education Revenue                            28.6   %
         2         Health Care Facility Revenue                 28.6
         3         General Obligation                           28.5
         1         Water and/or Sewer Revenue                   14.3
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Approximately 28.6% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in  the
Trust (accounting for approximately 26.1% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)  are original issue discount obligations. Certain of these original issue
discount obligations, amounting to  4.3% of the  aggregate principal amount  and
1.3%  of  the aggregate  offering price  of the  Bonds in  the Trust,  are "zero
coupon" bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus for a  discussion
of  the  characteristics  of  such  obligations  and  of  the  risks  associated
therewith.
    
    All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance  obtained
from  the  MBIA  Insurance  Corporation guaranteeing  payment  of  principal and
interest when due. As a  result of such insurance, the  Bonds in the Trust  have
received  a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
   
    The Trust is  considered to be  concentrated in Bonds  of Education  Revenue
Issuers  whose  revenues  are subject  to  certain risks  including  declines in
"college age" individuals and the possible inability to raise tuition and  fees.
The Trust is also considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Health Care Facility
Revenue  Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including increased
governmental regulation, fluctuating occupancy levels and increased competition.
For a  discussion of  the risks  associated  with investments  in the  bonds  of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
    
   
                             ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
              REGARDING THE NUVEEN PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 226
        ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT,  JULY 7, 1997
    
         Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
         Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  -------------------------------------------
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders  receiving  monthly,  quarterly  or  semi-annual   distribution
options.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $     3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................           35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....         1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $     3,345,508
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $         95.59
    Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
     Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit)..........  $          4.92
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        100.51
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $         95.12
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $         95.59
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $          5.39
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $          4.92
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)...........       26.3 years
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
Information  contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.   A
registration  statement relating  to these  securities has  been filed  with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor  may
offers  to buy be accepted prior to  the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This  Prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or  the
solicitation  of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful  prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
 
                                     1 of 7
<PAGE>
                         ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MONTHLY        QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
  <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
  Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
    Interest Income Per Unit
      Annual Interest Income(3)............         $5.1089         $5.1089        $5.1089
      Less Estimated Annual Expense........          $.2386          $.2066         $.1876
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
      Estimated Net Annual Interest
        Income(4)..........................         $4.8703         $4.9023        $4.9213
  Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit...........         $.01352         $.01361        $.01367
  ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5)..............            4.85%           4.88%          4.90 %
  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............            4.95%           4.99%          5.01 %
  Trustee's Annual Fees(6).................         $1.5298         $1.2098        $1.0198
Date of Deposit.......................................................................................July 8, 1997
Settlement Date......................................................................................July 11, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02857 per Unit
- ----------
BECAUSE CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN THE TRUST WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE UNTIL AFTER THE SETTLEMENT DATE FOR
A  PURCHASE OF UNITS MADE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, INTEREST THAT ACCRUES ON THOSE BONDS BETWEEN THE DATE OF DEPOSIT
AND SUCH DELIVERY DATE WILL BE TREATED  AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL RATHER  THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT INCOME. THE AMOUNT  OF
ANY  SUCH RETURN  OF PRINCIPAL  IS NOT  INCLUDED IN THE  ANNUAL INTEREST  INCOME SHOWN  ABOVE. FOR  THE TRUST, THE
FOLLOWING SETS FORTH THE LATEST SCHEDULED BOND DELIVERY DATE, THE AMOUNT PER UNIT THAT WILL BE TREATED AS A RETURN
OF PRINCIPAL TO  UNITHOLDERS WHO  PURCHASE ON THE  DATE OF  DEPOSIT, AND THE  ESTIMATED CURRENT  RETURN UNDER  THE
MONTHLY  DISTRIBUTION PLAN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, ASSUMING THE  PORTFOLIO AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT VARY
FROM THAT SET FORTH ABOVE (SEE "WHAT  ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" IN  PART B OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND  THE
"SCHEDULE  OF INVESTMENTS").  THE ESTIMATED  CURRENT RETURN  AFTER THE FIRST  YEAR WILL  ALSO BE  HIGHER UNDER THE
QUARTERLY AND SEMI-ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION PLANS:
 
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST....    JULY 29, 1997     $          .08                      4.92        %
</TABLE>
    
 
The evaluation time for purpose  of sale, purchase or  redemption of Units is  4
p.m.  Eastern time or as of  any earlier closing time on  a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.  (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
   
(1) Units  are offered at  the Public Offering Price  plus accrued interest from
    the preceding Record  Date to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement
    (normally  three business days  after purchase). The Date  of Deposit of the
    Fund has  been  designated  as  the  First Record  Date  for  all  plans  of
    distribution  of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
    of Deposit, $.04 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
    the Public Offering  Price. (See "WHAT  IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"  in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.)
    
 
(2) The  Average Maturity  of Bonds  in the Trust  is calculated  based upon the
    stated maturities of the Bonds in the  Trust (or, with respect to Bonds  for
    which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
    a  stated call  date, based  upon such call  date). The  Average Maturity of
    Bonds in the  Trust may  increase or  decrease from  time to  time as  Bonds
    mature or are called or sold.
 
(3) Assumes  delivery of  all Bonds. (See  "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" appearing in
    Part B of this  Prospectus.) Interest income does  not include accretion  of
    original  issue  discount on  "zero coupon"  Bonds, Stripped  Obligations or
    other original issue discount Bonds. (See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)
 
(4) The  amount and  timing of interest  distributions from the  Trust under the
    various plans of distribution  are set forth below.  It is anticipated  that
    the  amount of interest to  be distributed per Unit  in each year under each
    plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the  Estimated
    Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
    be  distributed  annually  per  Unit, will  generally  change  as  Bonds are
    redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
(5) Estimated Long  Term Return  for the  Trust represents  the average  of  the
    yields  to  maturity  (or  call)  of  the  Bonds  in  the  Trust's portfolio
    calculated in  accordance  with  accepted bond  practices  and  adjusted  to
    reflect  a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
    Return is computed by  dividing the Net Annual  Interest Income per Unit  by
    the  Public Offering  Price, and in  contrast to Estimated  Long Term Return
    does not reflect the  amortization of premium or  accretion of discount,  if
    any.  For  more information  see "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG TERM  RETURN AND
    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
(6) Each Trustee annual  fee is per  $1,000 principal amount  of the  underlying
    Bonds  in  the  Trust  for  that portion  of  the  Trust  that  represents a
    particular plan of distribution.
 
(7) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    organizational   costs  (including  costs   of  preparing  the  registration
    statements, the  trust indenture  and other  closing documents,  registering
    Units  with the Securities  and Exchange Commission  and states, the initial
    audit of the Trust  portfolio, initial evaluation fees,  legal fees and  the
    initial  fees and  expenses of  the Trustee  but not  including the expenses
    incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
    incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other  advertising
    materials  and any  other selling expenses)  as is common  for mutual funds.
    Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
    "WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
    "Statement of  Condition." Historically,  the  sponsors of  unit  investment
    trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
 
                                     2 of 7
<PAGE>
                             INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
 
    Details  of interest distributions  per Unit of the  Trust under the various
plans appear in  the following table  based upon estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          NORMAL
                                                                                                      DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                  1997                             1998                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        8/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................       8/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .3160(1)                                                  $  4.9471
                                                          --------  $.4122 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .3160(1)   $  1.2447(2)   $  1.2447      $  1.2447        $  4.9791
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .3160(1)   $  1.2492(3)                  $  2.4984        $  4.9981
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Record  Dates for  semi-annual distributions  are May  1 and  November 1; for
   quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
   Record Dates  for monthly  distributions are  the first  day of  each  month.
   Distribution  Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
   month  in  which  the  respective   Record  Date  occurred.  For   additional
   information  see "WHEN ARE  DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?"  in Part B of
   this Prospectus.
 
(1) The first distribution will  be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of  the
    distribution  plan selected.  Such distribution may  be more or  less than a
    regular monthly distribution.
 
(2) Regular 3-month distribution.
 
   
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
    3-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual  distributions will be  regular
    6-month distributions.
    
 
                           PENNSYLVANIA RISK FACTORS
 
    The  financial condition of the Commonwealth  of Pennsylvania is affected by
various national, economic,  social and environmental  policies and  conditions.
Additionally,  Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters  may
constrain  the  revenue-generating capacity  of the  Commonwealth and  its local
governments and, therefore, the ability of  the issuers of the Bonds to  satisfy
their  obligations. Historically,  the Commonwealth  has experienced significant
revenue shortfalls.
 
    The economic vitality of the State  and its various regions and,  therefore,
the  ability of the  State and its  local governments to  satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by numerous factors.  The economy of the  Commonwealth continues to  be
dependent on heavy industry and manufacturing. These sectors tend to be cyclical
and are facing increasing competition from foreign producers.
 
    The  Commonwealth is a party to numerous  lawsuits in which an adverse final
decision could materially affect the Commonwealth's governmental operations  and
consequently its ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
 
    All outstanding general obligation bonds of the Commonwealth are rated AA-
by Standard and Poor's and A1 by Moody's.
 
    Further  information concerning  Pennsylvania risk  factors may  be obtained
upon written  or  telephonic request  to  the  Trustee as  described  in  "OTHER
INFORMATION -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
                                   TAX STATUS
 
    For  a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT  IS THE  TAX  STATUS OF  UNITHOLDERS?" appearing  in  Part B  of  this
Prospectus.
 
    In  the opinion of  Dechert Price & Rhoads,  special Pennsylvania counsel to
the Trust, under existing law:
 
    Units evidencing fractional undivided interests in the Trust are not subject
to any of the personal property taxes presently in effect in Pennsylvania to the
extent of  that proportion  of the  Trust  represented by  Bonds issued  by  the
Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania, its  agencies and  instrumentalities, or  by any
county, city, borough, town, township,  school district, municipality and  local
housing  or parking authority  in the Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania or issued by
Puerto  Rico,  the  Virgin  Islands,  Guam  or  the  Northern  Mariana   Islands
("Pennsylvania  Bonds"). The taxes referred to above include the County Personal
Property Tax,  the  additional personal  property  taxes imposed  on  Pittsburgh
residents  by the School District  of Pittsburgh and by  the City of Pittsburgh.
The City of Pittsburgh, the School  District of Pittsburgh and Allegheny  County
cannot  impose personal property taxes as of January 1, 1995. Trust Units may be
taxable under the Pennsylvania inheritance and estate taxes.
 
    The  proportion  of  interest  income  representing  interest  income   from
Pennsylvania  Bonds distributed to Unitholders of the Trust is not taxable under
the Pennsylvania  Personal Income  Tax or  under the  Corporate Net  Income  Tax
imposed  on corporations  by Article IV  of the  Tax Reform Code.  Nor will such
interest be taxable under the Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax
imposed on Philadelphia resident individuals.
 
                                     3 of 7
<PAGE>
    The disposition  by the  Trust  of a  Pennsylvania  Bond (whether  by  sale,
exchange, redemption or payment at maturity) will not constitute a taxable event
to  a Unitholder under the Pennsylvania  Personal Income Tax if the Pennsylvania
Bond was  issued  prior to  February  1, 1994.  Further,  although there  is  no
published  authority  on the  subject,  counsel is  of  the opinion  that  (i) a
Unitholder of the  Trust will not  have a taxable  event under the  Pennsylvania
state  and local income taxes referred to in the preceding paragraph (other than
the Corporate Net Income  Tax) upon the  redemption or sale of  his Unit to  the
extent  that the Trust is  then comprised of Pennsylvania  Bonds issued prior to
February 1, 1994 and (ii) the dispositions  by the Trust of a Pennsylvania  Bond
(whether  by  sale,  exchange,  redemption  or  payment  at  maturity)  will not
constitute a taxable event to a Unitholder under the Corporate Net Income Tax or
the Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax if the Pennsylvania  Bond
was  issued  prior  to  February  1,  1994.  (The  School  District  tax  has no
application to gain on the disposition of property held by the taxpayer for more
than six months.)
 
    Gains on  the  sale, exchange,  redemption,  or  payment at  maturity  of  a
Pennsylvania Bond issued on or after February 1, 1994, will be taxable under all
of  these taxes, as will gains on the redemption or sale of a unit to the extent
that the Trust is comprised of Pennsylvania Bonds issued on or after February 1,
1994.
 
                                     4 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                     NUVEEN PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 226
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 949)
          SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, JULY 8, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
 Principal         by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's        Price
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities          2007 at 100        AAA         Aaa     $       478,525
                   Authority (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania),
                   Revenue Bonds, State System of Higher
                   Education, Series O, 5.125% Due 6/15/24.
    500,000      Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities          2007 at 102        AAA         Aaa             503,750
                   Authority (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania),
                   Bryn Mawr College Revenue Bonds, Series of
                   1997, 5.625% Due 12/1/27.
    500,000     * Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority    2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             487,535
                   (Pennsylvania), Health Center Revenue Bonds,
                   Series of 1995 (University of Pittsburgh
                   Medical Center System), 5.375% Due 12/1/25.
    500,000     * Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, Allegheny     2007 at 102        AAA         Aaa             491,175
                   County, Pennsylvania, Sewer Revenue Bonds,
                   Series of 1997, 5.375% Due 12/1/24. (When
                   issued.)
    500,000      Delaware County Authority (Commonwealth of          2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             498,125
                   Pennsylvania), Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series
                   of 1995 (Delaware County Memorial Hospital),
                   5.50% Due 8/15/19. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about July 27, 1995 at
                   a price of 94.645% of principal amount.)
    500,000      County of Lycoming, Pennsylvania, General           2007 at 100        AAA         Aaa             512,500
                   Obligation Bonds, Series of 1997, 5.80% Due
                   11/15/22.
    350,000      Valley View School District (Lackawanna County,     2006 at 100        AAA         Aaa             329,777
                   Pennsylvania), General Obligation Bonds,
                   Series of 1996A, 5.00% Due 11/15/21.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about May 7, 1996 at a price of 88.083% of
                   principal amount.)
    150,000      Valley View School District, Lackawanna County,  No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa              44,121
                   Pennsylvania, General Obligation Bonds,
                   Series of 1994, 0.00% Due 11/15/19. (Original
                   issue discount bonds delivered on or about
                   December 20, 1994 at a price of 16.57% of
                   principal amount.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,345,508
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
*_ These Bonds, or  a portion  thereof, have  delivery dates  beyond the  normal
   settlement  date. Their  expected delivery date  is July  29, 1997. Contracts
   relating to  Bonds with  delivery  dates after  the  date of  settlement  for
   purchase  made on  the Date  of Deposit  constitute approximately  29% of the
   aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" in Part
   B of this Prospectus.)
    
 
- ------------
 
    (1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase  Bonds were entered into on July  7,
1997.  Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of Deposit
is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ANNUAL
                                                           PROFIT      INTEREST
                                              COST TO     (OR LOSS)    INCOME TO    BID PRICE
                   TRUST                      SPONSOR    TO SPONSOR      TRUST      OF BONDS
  ----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 226..........  $ 3,335,089  $   10,419   $  181,500   $ 3,329,008
</TABLE>
    
 
   
In addition,  the difference  between the  Trustee's determination  of  Offering
Price  and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .47%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor  profit (or  loss) to  Sponsor reflects  underwriting profits  or
losses  received  or  incurred  by  the  Sponsor  through  its  participation in
underwriting syndicates.  The Sponsor  did not  participate as  either the  sole
underwriter  or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
    
 
    (2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and  at
the  prices,  shown. Unless  otherwise indicated,  the  Bonds, except  for Bonds
issued at a  substantial original  issue discount, are  redeemable at  declining
prices  (but not below  par value) in subsequent  years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based  on
the  issue  price  plus  the  amount  of  original  issue  discount  accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium,  the amount of which will  decline
in  subsequent years. The Bonds  may also be subject  to sinking fund redemption
without premium  prior to  the dates  shown.  Certain Bonds  may be  subject  to
redemption  without  premium prior  to  the date  shown  pursuant to  special or
mandatory call provisions specified in  the instruments setting forth the  terms
and  provisions of  such Bonds.  See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS", "WHAT  IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    (3) All the  Bonds in the  Insured Trusts,  as insured by  the Insurer,  are
rated  AAA  by  Standard &  Poor's,  AAA by  Fitch  and/or Aaa  by  Moody's. The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on the Bonds when due  but does not cover  certain market risks associated  with
fixed  income  securities  such  as accelerated  payments,  premiums  payable on
mandatory redemptions or interest  rate risks. (See "WHY  AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS
INSURED?"  in Part  B of  this Prospectus  and "Description  of Ratings"  in the
Information Supplement.)
 
                                     5 of 7
<PAGE>
                             Statement of Condition
 
   
                     NUVEEN PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 226
    
 
   
                    (Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949)
    
 
   
                               AS OF JULY 8, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
    TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
  backed by an irrevocable letter of
  credit(1)(2)....................................  $    3,345,508
Accrued interest to July 8, 1997 on underlying
  Bonds(1)........................................          32,394
Organizational costs(3)...........................           5,000
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,382,902
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
   LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to July 8, 1997 on underlying
     Bonds(4).....................................  $       32,394
    Accrued organizational costs(3)...............           5,000
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $       37,394
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest
     outstanding (35,000)
      Cost to investors(5)........................  $    3,517,869
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)....        (172,361)
                                                    --------------
    Net amount applicable to investors............  $    3,345,508
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,382,902
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Represented by contracts  to purchase Tax-Exempt  Bonds which include  "when
    issued"  or  "regular  way" or  "delayed  delivery" contracts  for  which an
    irrevocable letter of  credit issued  by a  major commercial  bank has  been
    deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
    of  credit  and any  cash  deposited exceeds  the  amount necessary  for the
    purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest  to the Date of Deposit. At  the
    Date  of Deposit, Bonds may  have been delivered to  the Sponsor pursuant to
    certain of these contracts; the Sponsor  has assigned to the Trustee all  of
    its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
(2) Aggregate  value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
    listed under "Schedule of Investments"  herein, and their aggregate cost  to
    the  Trust are the same.  Such offering prices were  determined by Kenny S&P
    Evaluation Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close  of
    business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
    PRICE  OF THE BONDS  DETERMINED AT THE DATE  OF DEPOSIT?" in  Part B of this
    Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when  due,
    of  all principal of and interest on the  Bonds in an Insured Trust has been
    obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
    not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units.  Both
    the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
    include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
 
(3) The  Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of its
    estimated organizational costs  which will  be deferred  and amortized  over
    five years from the Date of Deposit.
 
(4) Representing,  as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
    Prospectus, advancement by  the Trustee of  an amount equal  to the  accrued
    Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
 
(5) Aggregate  Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
    set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.
 
(6) The  gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
    been calculated on the assumption that the  Units sold are not subject to  a
    reduction  of sales  charge for  quantity purchases.  In single transactions
    involving 500 Units or more, the sales  charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS  THE
    PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
                                     6 of 7
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
TO  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN  NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 226:
    
 
   
    We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule  of
investments  at  date of  deposit (included  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus) of
Pennsylvania Insured Trust 226 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,  Series
949),  as of July 8, 1997. These  financial statements are the responsibility of
the Sponsor. Our  responsibility is  to express  an opinion  on these  financial
statements based on our audit.
    
 
    We  conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities,  described  in  Note   (1)  to  the   statement  of  condition,   by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by  the  Sponsor, as  well as
evaluating the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that  our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In  our opinion, the statement of  condition and the schedule of investments
at date of deposit referred to  above present fairly, in all material  respects,
the  financial position of Pennsylvania Insured Trust 226 as of July 8, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Chicago, Illinois,
July 8, 1997.
    
 
                                     7 of 7
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                           B
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS -- PART B
            (GENERAL TERMS)
   
              JULY 8, 1997
    
 
THIS  PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY PART
A. BOTH PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
   
FURTHER DETAIL REGARDING CERTAIN OF  THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE  PROSPECTUS
MAY  BE OBTAINED WITHIN FIVE  BUSINESS DAYS OF WRITTEN  OR TELEPHONIC REQUEST TO
THE TRUSTEE AT 4 NEW YORK PLAZA, NEW YORK, NY 10004-2413 OR (800) 257-8787.
    
INTEREST INCOME TO A TRUST AND TO UNITHOLDERS, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL,  UNDER
EXISTING  LAW IS  EXEMPT FROM  FEDERAL INCOME  TAX. CAPITAL  GAINS, IF  ANY, ARE
SUBJECT TO TAX. IN ADDITION, INTEREST INCOME OF STATE TRUSTS IS, IN THE  OPINION
OF  COUNSEL,  EXEMPT,  TO THE  EXTENT  INDICATED,  FROM STATE  AND  LOCAL TAXES.
INTEREST INCOME OF ANY TRUST  OTHER THAN A STATE TRUST  MAY BE SUBJECT TO  STATE
AND LOCAL TAXES.
 
CURRENTLY  OFFERED AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PLUS INTEREST ACCRUED TO THE DATE OF
SETTLEMENT. MINIMUM PURCHASE--EITHER $5,000 OR 50 UNITS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
 
   
THIS NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES consists of the underlying separate  unit
investment  trusts set forth in Part A  to this Prospectus. Each Trust initially
consists of delivery  statements relating  to contracts to  purchase Bonds  and,
thereafter,  will consist of a diversified portfolio of obligations issued by or
on behalf of  states and territories  of the United  States and authorities  and
political  subdivisions thereof (see "Schedule of Investments" appearing in Part
A of this Prospectus). Except in specific  instances as noted in Part A of  this
Prospectus,  the information contained in this Part  B shall apply to each Trust
in its entirety.  All obligations  in each Traditional  Trust are  rated in  the
category  "A" or  better by  Standard &  Poor's, a  division of  The McGraw Hill
Companies ("Standard & Poor's"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")  or
Fitch  Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") on the Date of Deposit. All obligations
in each Insured  Trust are covered  by policies of  insurance obtained from  the
MBIA  Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment  of principal and interest when
due. All such policies of insurance remain effective so long as the  obligations
are  outstanding. As a result of such  insurance, the Bonds in each portfolio of
the Insured Trusts have received  a rating of "Aaa"  by Moody's, "AAA" by  Fitch
and/  or "AAA" by Standard & Poor's. INSURANCE  RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS IN THE
INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT  TO THE UNITS  OFFERED HEREBY OR  TO THEIR MARKET  VALUE.
(See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")
    
 
   
THE  OBJECTIVES of  a Trust  are tax-exempt  income and  conservation of capital
through a diversified investment  in tax-exempt Bonds.  The payment of  interest
and  the preservation of principal are, of course, dependent upon the continuing
ability of  the issuers  of  Bonds and  of any  insurer  thereof to  meet  their
obligations  thereunder. There is no guarantee that a Trust's objectives will be
achieved. (See "RISK FACTORS.")
    
 
DISTRIBUTIONS of interest received by a Trust will be made semi-annually  unless
the  Unitholder  elects to  receive them  monthly or  quarterly. (See  "WHEN ARE
DISTRIBUTIONS MADE  TO UNITHOLDERS?")  Distribution of  funds in  the  Principal
Account, if any, will ordinarily be made semi-annually.
 
   
FOR  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS to Unitholders on
the business day prior to the Date of Deposit, see Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?"
    
 
   
THE PUBLIC OFFERING  PRICE per Unit  of each Trust  during the initial  offering
period  is equal to a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such
Trust's portfolio plus  a sales charge  of up  to 4.90% of  the Public  Offering
Price  (equivalent to 5.152%  of the net  amount invested); the  sales charge is
somewhat lower on Trusts with lesser average maturities. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC
OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?") The Secondary Market Public Offering Price per Unit
for each Trust will be equal to a pro rata share of the sum of BID prices of the
Bonds in such Trust  plus the sales  charges determined based  on the number  of
years  remaining  to  the  maturity  of each  Bond.  Accrued  interest  from the
preceding Record Date to, but not including, the settlement date (normally three
business days after purchase) is added  to the Public Offering Price. The  sales
charge  is reduced on a graduated scale  for sales involving at least $50,000 or
500 Units  and will  be applied  on whichever  basis is  more favorable  to  the
purchaser. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")
    
 
   
A  UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee at prices based upon
the BID prices of the Bonds. The  price received upon redemption may be more  or
less  than the amount paid by Unitholders, depending upon the value of the Bonds
on the date of tender  for redemption. (See "HOW  UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED  WITHOUT
CHARGE.")  The  Sponsor, although  not  required to  do  so, intends  to  make a
secondary market for the Units of the Trusts at prices based upon the BID prices
of the Bonds in the respective Trusts. (See "MARKET FOR UNITS.")
    
 
RISK FACTORS. An investment in a Trust  should be made with an understanding  of
the risks associated therewith, including, among other factors, the inability of
the issuer or an insurer to pay the principal of or interest on a Bond when due,
volatile interest rates, early call provisions, and changes to the tax status of
the Bonds. See Part A of this Prospectus and "RISK FACTORS."
 
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR  HAS  THE  SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON  THE  ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      TABLE OF CONTENTS                                  PAGE
<C>   <S>                                                <C>
      WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?            4
      WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?             4
      SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS                              4
      RISK FACTORS                                       5
      COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS                              6
      WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?                 8
      HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?       9
      MARKET FOR UNITS                                   11
      WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?                          12
      WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED
      CURRENT RETURN?                                    12
      HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE
      DATE
      OF DEPOSIT?                                        13
      WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?             13
      WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?          15
      WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?        16
      ACCUMULATION PLAN                                  17
      HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?           17
      UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION                          17
      HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE
      PUBLIC                                             18
      OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS                    19
      HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE           20
      HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR          21
      HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS           21
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE                      21
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR                      22
      OTHER INFORMATION                                  22
</TABLE>
    
 
                  2
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      TOPICAL INDEX                                              PAGE
<C>   <S>                                               <C>      <C>
      Accrued Interest                                           12
      Accumulation Plan                                          17
                                                           Information
      Bond Ratings, Description of                         Supplement
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price             13
      Bonds, How Selected                                        4
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                       7
      Bonds, Removal from a Trust                                21
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                         7
      Capital Gains Taxability                                   14
      Composition of Trusts                                      7
      Dealer Discounts                                           18
      Distributions to Unitholders                               16
                                                                 Part
      Distribution Payment Dates                                 A,16
      Distribution of Units to the Public                        18
                                                                 Part
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts                 A,12
                                                                 Part
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current Return    A,12
      Evaluation                                                 17
      Expenses for Normal Trust Operation                        15
      Indenture, Amendment of                                    22
      Indenture, Termination of                                  22
      Insurance on the Bonds                                     8
      Interest Account Distributions                             Part A
      Legal Opinion                                              23
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee          21
      Market for Units                                           11
      Minimum Transaction                                        18
      Objectives of the Trusts                                   4
      Optional Distribution Plan                                 16
      Other Information                                          22
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                            19
      Principal Account Distributions                            16
      Public Offering Price of Units                             9
      Purchase of Units by Sponsor                               21
      Quantity Purchases                                         9
                                                                 Part
      Record Dates                                               A,16
      Redemption of Units Without Charge                         20
      Report of Independent Public Accountants                   Part A
      Reports to Unitholders                                     17
      Risk Factors                                               5
      Sales Charge                                               10
      Schedules of Investments                                   Part A
      Sponsor, Information About                                 22
      State Tax Status                                           Part A
      Statements of Condition                                    Part A
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                            22
      Supplemental Information                                   23
      Tax Status of Unitholders                                  13
      Trustee, Information About                                 21
      Units, Description of                                      4
</TABLE>
    
 
                  3
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?
 
   
This Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust  is one  of a  series of  separate but  similar
investment  companies created by the  Sponsor, each of which  is designated by a
different Series number. The underlying unit investment trusts contained in this
Series  are  combined  under  one   Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement.   Specific
information  regarding this Trust is set forth in Part A of this Prospectus. The
various Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts are  collectively referred to herein as  the
"Trusts"; the trusts in which few or none of the Bonds are insured are sometimes
referred  to as the "Traditional  Trusts," the trusts in  which all of the Bonds
are insured  as described  herein  are sometimes  referred  to as  the  "Insured
Trusts,"  and  the state  trusts (both  Traditional  and Insured)  are sometimes
referred to as the "State Trusts." This Series was created under the laws of the
State of New York pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the Date  of
Deposit  (the "Indenture") between  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated ("Nuveen" or
the "Sponsor") and The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Trustee").
    
 
   
    The Sponsor has deposited with  the Trustee delivery statements relating  to
contracts  for the  purchase of municipal  debt obligations  together with funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in the amount, including accrued interest,  required for their purchase (or  the
obligations  themselves) (the "Bonds"). See "Schedule  of Investments" in Part A
of this Prospectus, for  a description of  the Bonds deposited  in a Trust.  See
"SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" and "RISK FACTORS" for a discussion of zero coupon bonds
and  stripped obligations included in  the Trusts, if any.  Some of the delivery
statements may relate to  contracts for the purchase  of "when issued" or  other
Bonds  with delivery dates after  the date of settlement  for a purchase made on
the Date  of Deposit.  See  the "Schedule  of Investments"  in  Part A  of  this
Prospectus  and  "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS."  For  a discussion  of  the Sponsor's
obligations in the event of a failure of any contract for the purchase of any of
the Bonds and its limited right to substitute other bonds to replace any  failed
contract, see "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS."
    
 
   
    Payment  of interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust, and of principal at
maturity, is guaranteed under policies of  insurance obtained by the Sponsor  or
by  the issuers of  the Bonds. (See "WHY  AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS INSURED?") AS A
GENERAL MATTER, NEITHER THE ISSUER NOR  THE SPONSOR HAS OBTAINED INSURANCE  WITH
RESPECT TO THE BONDS IN ANY TRADITIONAL TRUST.
    
 
    The  Trustee has delivered  to the Sponsor  registered Units which represent
ownership of  the  entire  Trust,  and  which  are  offered  for  sale  by  this
Prospectus.  Each Unit of a Trust  represents a fractional undivided interest in
the principal and net income of such Trust in the ratio set forth in  "Essential
Information"  in Part A of this Prospectus. Units  may only be sold in states in
which they  are registered.  To  the extent  that any  Units  of any  Trust  are
redeemed by the Trustee, the aggregate value of the Trust's assets will decrease
by  the amount  paid to the  redeeming Unitholder, but  the fractional undivided
interest of each unredeemed  Unit in such  Trust will increase  proportionately.
The  Sponsor will  initially, and  from time to  time thereafter,  hold Units in
connection with their offering.
 
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?
 
   
The objectives of the Trusts are income  exempt from Federal income tax and,  in
the  case of State Trusts, where applicable, state income and intangibles taxes,
and conservation of capital, through an  investment in obligations issued by  or
on  behalf of states  and territories of  the United States  and authorities and
political subdivisions thereof,  the interest  on which  is, in  the opinion  of
recognized  bond counsel  to the  issuing governmental  authorities, exempt from
Federal income tax under existing law  and for State Trusts, from certain  state
income  taxes  and intangibles  taxes,  if any,  for  purchasers who  qualify as
residents of that State  in which Bonds are  issued. Insurance guaranteeing  the
timely  payment, when due,  of all principal  and interest on  the Bonds in each
Insured Trust has been obtained by the  Sponsor or by the issuers of such  Bonds
from  MBIA Insurance Corporation, and as a result of such insurance the Bonds in
the Insured Trusts are rated  "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA"  by Fitch and/or "AAA"  by
Standard & Poor's. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?") All obligations in
each  Traditional Trust are rated in the category  "A" or better (SP-1, MIG 2 or
F-2 or better, respectively, in the case of short term obligations included in a
Short Term  Traditional  Trust)  by  Standard &  Poor's,  Moody's  and/or  Fitch
(including  provisional or conditional  ratings). In addition,  certain Bonds in
certain Traditional Trusts may be  covered by insurance guaranteeing the  timely
payment,  when  due, of  all principal  and  interest. There  is, of  course, no
guarantee that the Trusts' objectives will be achieved. For a comparison of  net
after-tax return for various tax brackets, see the "TAXABLE EQUIVALENT ESTIMATED
CURRENT  RETURN TABLES" included in the Appendices to the Information Supplement
of this Prospectus.
    
 
SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
 
   
In selecting  Bonds for  the  respective Trusts,  the following  factors,  among
others, were considered: (i) the Standard & Poor's, Moody's and/or Fitch ratings
of  the Bonds (see "WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?" for a description of
minimum rating standards), (ii) the prices of the Bonds relative to other  bonds
of  comparable quality  and maturity, (iii)  the diversification of  Bonds as to
purpose of issue and location of issuer,  (iv) the maturity dates of the  Bonds,
and  (v)  in the  case  of the  Insured Trusts  only,  the availability  of MBIA
Insurance Corporation insurance on such Bonds.  (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS
INSURED?")
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
 
   
An  investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of the
risks that such  an investment  may entail.  Each Trust  consists of  fixed-rate
municipal  debt  obligations. As  such, the  value of  the debt  obligations and
therefore of  the  Units will  decline  with  increases in  interest  rates.  In
general,  the longer the period until the maturity of a Bond, the more sensitive
its value will be to fluctuations in interest rates. The Sponsor cannot  predict
the  extent or timing  of such fluctuations and,  accordingly, their effect upon
the value  of the  Bonds. Additional  risk factors  include the  ability of  the
issuer,  or,  if  applicable,  an  insurer, to  make  payments  of  interest and
principal when  due, "mandatory  put" features,  early call  provisions and  the
potential  for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As set forth in Part A of
this Prospectus, the Trusts may contain or be concentrated in one or more of the
types of bonds discussed below. The following paragraphs briefly discuss certain
circumstances which may adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds held in
the portfolio of a Trust to make payments of principal and interest thereon, and
which also  therefore may  adversely  affect the  ratings  of such  Bonds.  With
respect  to Insured  Trusts, however, because  of the insurance  obtained by the
Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds, such changes should not adversely affect
an Insured Trust's receipt  of principal and interest  or the Standard &  Poor's
"AAA",  the Moody's "Aaa" or the Fitch "AAA" ratings of the Bonds in the Insured
Trust portfolio.  The  Bonds  described  below may  be  subject  to  special  or
extraordinary   redemption  provisions.  For  economic  risks  specific  to  the
individual Trusts,  see Part  A of  this Prospectus  and the  Appendices to  the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    ESCROW  SECURED OBLIGATIONS are  typically secured by  direct obligations of
the U.S.  Government  or  in  some cases  obligations  guaranteed  by  the  U.S.
Government  placed in  an escrow  account maintained  by an  independent trustee
until maturity  or  a  predetermined  redemption  date.  These  obligations  are
generally noncallable prior to maturity or the predetermined redemption date. In
a  few isolated instances, however,  bonds which were thought  to be escrowed to
maturity have been called for redemption prior to maturity.
    
 
   
    HEALTH CARE FACILITY OBLIGATIONS are  obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are derived from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities,
including  nursing  homes. The  ability  of such  issuers  to make  debt service
payments on  these  obligations  is  dependent  on  various  factors,  including
occupancy  levels  of the  facility, demand  for  services, wages  of employees,
overhead  expenses,  competition  from   other  similar  providers,   government
regulation,  the cost of  malpractice insurance, and  the degree of governmental
financial assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
    
 
    HOUSING OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are  primarily
derived  from mortgage loans on single family residences or housing projects for
low to moderate income families. Housing obligations are generally prepayable at
any time and  therefore their average  life will ordinarily  be less than  their
stated  maturities. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments on
these obligations is dependent on  various factors, including occupancy  levels,
rental  income, mortgage default rates,  taxes, operating expenses, governmental
regulations and the appropriation of subsidies.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS  are  industrial  revenue  bonds  ("IRBs"),
including  pollution  control  revenue bonds,  which  are  tax-exempt securities
issued by  states, municipalities,  public authorities  or similar  entities  to
finance  the  cost of  acquiring, constructing  or improving  various industrial
projects. Debt  service  payment on  IRBs  is dependent  upon  various  factors,
including  the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues  generated from the project,  expenses
associated with the project and regulatory and environmental restrictions.
 
   
    UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from the sale of several types of energy, including electric and natural
gas. The  ability  of  such issuers  to  make  debt service  payments  on  these
obligations is dependent on various factors, including the rates for electricity
and  natural gas,  the demand  for electricity  and natural  gas, the  degree of
competition, governmental regulation, overhead expenses and variable costs, such
as fuel.
    
 
    TRANSPORTATION FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers which
are payable  from  and  secured  by revenues  derived  from  the  ownership  and
operation  of airports, public transit systems and ports. The ability of issuers
to make  debt  service payments  on  airport  obligations is  dependent  on  the
capability  of airlines to  meet their obligations under  use agreements. Due to
increased competition,  deregulation, increased  fuel costs  and other  factors,
many  airlines may  have difficulty  meeting their  obligations under  these use
agreements. Bonds  that are  secured primarily  by the  revenue collected  by  a
public  transit system typically  are additionally secured by  a pledge of sales
tax receipts collected  at the state  or local level,  or of other  governmental
financial  assistance. The revenue of issuers of transit system obligations will
be affected by variations in utilization, which  in turn may be affected by  the
degree  of  local governmental  subsidization, competition  from other  forms of
transportation, and  increased costs.  Port  authorities derive  their  revenues
primarily  from fees imposed  on ships using the  facilities which may fluctuate
depending on  the local  economy  and on  competition  from competing  forms  of
transportation  such  as air,  rail and  trucks. The  revenues of  issuers which
derive their  payments  from bridge,  road  or  tunnel toll  revenues  could  be
adversely  affected  by  increases  in fuel  costs,  competition  from toll-free
vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes of transportation.
 
   
    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are  payable from user fees from the sale of water and/or sewerage services. The
problems  of  such  issuers  include  the  ability  to  obtain  rate  increases,
population  declines,  the limitations  on  operations and  increased  costs and
delays attributable to environmental considerations, the difficulties  obtaining
new supplies of fresh water, the effect of conservation programs and "no-growth"
zoning ordinances.
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    UNIVERSITY  AND COLLEGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose
revenues are  derived  mainly  from  tuition,  dormitory  revenues,  grants  and
endowments.  General  problems faced  by such  issuers  include declines  in the
number of "college" age  individuals, possible inability  to raise tuitions  and
fees,  the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal grants and state funding,
and government  legislation  or  regulations  which  may  adversely  affect  the
revenues or costs of such issuers.
 
    DEDICATED-TAX  SUPPORTED OBLIGATIONS  are obligations  of issuers  which are
payable from  and  secured by  tax  revenues  from a  designated  source,  which
revenues  are pledged to secure the bonds.  The various types of Bonds described
below differ in structure and with respect  to the rights of the bondholders  to
the  underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax supported Bond has distinct
risks, only  some  of which  are  set forth  below.  One type  of  dedicated-tax
supported  Bond  is  secured by  the  incremental  tax received  on  either real
property or on sales within a  specifically defined geographical area; such  tax
generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the underlying property or
revenues.  Another type of dedicated-tax supported  Bond is secured by a special
tax levied on real property within a defined geographical area in such a  manner
that  the  tax is  levied  on those  who benefit  from  the project;  such bonds
typically provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying  property for  unpaid
taxes.  A third  type of dedicated-tax  supported Bond  may be secured  by a tax
levied upon the  manufacture, sale  or consumption  of commodities  or upon  the
license  to pursue  certain occupations  or upon  corporate privileges  within a
taxing jurisdiction. As  to any  of these  types of  Bonds, the  ability of  the
designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such bonds
may  be affected by changes  in the local economy,  the financial success of the
enterprise responsible for the payment of  the taxes, the value of any  property
on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in a timely
fashion.  Each of these  factors will have  a different affect  on each distinct
type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
 
    MUNICIPAL LEASE  OBLIGATIONS  are  obligations that  are  secured  by  lease
payments  of a  governmental entity  and are  normally subject  to annual budget
appropriations of the  leasing governmental entity.  A governmental entity  that
enters  into  such  a  lease agreement  cannot  obligate  future  governments to
appropriate for and make lease payments but covenants to take such action as  is
necessary  to include  any lease  payments due  in its  budgets and  to make the
appropriations therefor. A governmental entity's failure to appropriate for  and
to  make payments under its lease  obligation could result in insufficient funds
available for payment of the obligations secured thereby.
 
    ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS are bonds which
were issued with  nominal interest  rates less than  the rates  then offered  by
comparable  securities and as  a consequence were originally  sold at a discount
from their face,  or par,  values. In a  stable interest  rate environment,  the
market  value of  an original  issue discount bond  would tend  to increase more
slowly in early years and in greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain of the original  issue discount obligations in  a Trust may be  zero
coupon  bonds. Zero coupon bonds  do not provide for  the payment of any current
interest; the buyer receives only  the right to receive  a final payment of  the
face  amount  of the  bond at  its maturity.  Zero coupon  bonds are  subject to
substantially greater  price  fluctuations  during periods  of  changing  market
interest  rates  than are  securities of  comparable  quality that  pay interest
currently.
 
    Original issue discount  obligations, including  zero coupon  bonds, may  be
subject  to redemption  at prices based  on the  issue price plus  the amount of
original issue discount accreted to  redemption (the "accreted value") plus,  if
applicable,  some premium. Pursuant  to such call  provisions, an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than  its
face  value.  See the  "Schedule of  Investments"  appearing in  Part A  of this
Prospectus for more information about the call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be stripped obligations, which represent
evidences of  ownership with  respect to  either the  principal amount  of or  a
payment  of interest on  a tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations"). Each
Stripped Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount payable  at
maturity.  A Stripped Obligation therefore  has economic characteristics similar
to zero coupon bonds, as described above.
 
    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the  state
and  local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state  and
local  taxes,  interest  on  original  issue  discount  obligations  or Stripped
Obligations may be  deemed to be  received in  the year of  accrual even  though
there is no corresponding cash payment.
 
    Certain  bonds may carry a "mandatory put" (also referred to as a "mandatory
tender" or "mandatory repurchase") feature pursuant to which the holder of  such
bonds will receive payment of the full principal amount thereof on a stated date
prior  to the maturity date unless such  holder affirmatively acts to retain the
bond. The Trustee does not have the  authority to act to retain Bonds with  such
features;  accordingly, it will receive payment  of the full principal amount of
any such Bonds on the stated put date and such date is therefore treated as  the
maturity date of such Bonds in selecting Bonds for the respective Trusts and for
purposes of calculating the average maturity of the Bonds in any Trust.
 
COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedule of  Investments"
in  Part A of this Prospectus and, thereafter,  of such Bonds as may continue to
be held from time to time  (including certain securities deposited in the  Trust
in    substitution   for    Bonds   not   delivered    to   a    Trust   or   in
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
exchange or  substitution  for Bonds  upon  certain refundings),  together  with
accrued  and undistributed interest thereon and undistributed cash realized from
the disposition of Bonds.
 
   
    "WHEN-ISSUED"  AND  "DELAYED  DELIVERY"  TRANSACTIONS.    The  contracts  to
purchase  Bonds delivered to  the Trustee represent an  obligation by issuers or
dealers to deliver Bonds to  the Sponsor for deposit  in the Trusts. Certain  of
the  contracts relate  to Bonds  which have not  been issued  as of  the Date of
Deposit and which are commonly referred to as "when issued" or "when, as and  if
issued"  Bonds. Although  the Sponsor  believes it  unlikely, if  such Bonds, or
replacement bonds  described below,  are not  acquired by  a Trust  or if  their
delivery  is  delayed, the  Estimated Current  Returns  and Estimated  Long Term
Returns shown  in Part  A of  this Prospectus  may be  reduced. Certain  of  the
contracts for the purchase of Bonds provide for delivery dates after the date of
settlement  for purchases made  on the Date  of Deposit. Interest  on such "when
issued" and  "delayed delivery"  Bonds  accrues to  the benefit  of  Unitholders
commencing with the first settlement date for the Units. However, in the opinion
of  counsel, Unitholders who purchase  their Units prior to  the date such Bonds
are actually delivered to the Trustee must  reduce the tax basis of their  Units
for  interest accruing on such Bonds  during the interval between their purchase
of Units and the delivery of the Bonds because such amounts constitute a  return
of  principal. As a result of such adjustment, the Estimated Current Returns set
forth in Part A of this Prospectus (which are based on the Public Offering Price
as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit) may be slightly lower  than
that which Unitholders will receive after the first year, assuming the Portfolio
does  not change and estimated annual expense  does not vary from that set forth
under "Essential Information" in Part A of this Prospectus. Those Bonds in  each
Trust  purchased with delivery dates after  the date of settlement for purchases
made on the Date  of Deposit are  so noted in the  "Schedule of Investments"  in
Part A of this Prospectus.
    
 
    LIMITED  REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN BONDS.   Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee
shall be liable in any  way for any default, failure  or defect in any Bond.  In
the  event of a failure to deliver any  Bond that has been purchased for a Trust
under a contract, including those  Bonds purchased on a  when, as and if  issued
basis  ("Failed Bonds"), the Sponsor is authorized under the Indenture to direct
the Trustee to acquire  other specified Bonds ("Replacement  Bonds") to make  up
the  original corpus of the Trust within 20 days after delivery of notice of the
failed contract and the  cost to the Trust  (exclusive of accrued interest)  may
not  exceed the amount of  funds reserved for the  purchase of the Failed Bonds.
The Replacement Bonds  must satisfy  the criteria previously  described for  the
Trusts  and shall be substantially identical to the Failed Bonds they replace in
terms of (i) the exemption from  federal and state taxation; (ii) maturity  and;
(iii)  cost to the Trust. In addition,  Replacement Bonds shall not be "when, as
and if issued" Bonds. Whenever a Replacement Bond has been acquired for a Trust,
the Trustee shall, within five days after the delivery thereof, mail or  deliver
a  notice of such acquisition to all Unitholders of the Trust involved. Once the
original corpus of the Trust is acquired, the Trustee will have no power to vary
the investment of the Trust.
 
    To the extent Replacement Bonds are  not acquired, the Sponsor shall  refund
to  all Unitholders of the Trust involved  the sales charge attributable to such
Failed Bonds not replaced, and  the principal and accrued interest  attributable
to such Bonds shall be distributed not more than 30 days after the determination
of  such failure or at  such earlier time as the  Trustee in its sole discretion
deems to be in the interest of  the Unitholders. Any such accrued interest  paid
to Unitholders will be paid by the Sponsor and, accordingly, will not be treated
as  tax-exempt  income.  In the  event  Failed Bonds  in  a Trust  could  not be
replaced, the  Net Annual  Interest Income  per  Unit for  such Trust  would  be
reduced and the Estimated Current Return thereon might be lowered.
 
    SALE,  MATURITY AND REDEMPTION OF BONDS.  Certain of the Bonds may from time
to time  under certain  circumstances be  sold  or redeemed  or will  mature  in
accordance  with their terms. The proceeds from  such events will be used to pay
for  Units  redeemed   or  distributed  to   Unitholders  and  not   reinvested;
accordingly,  no assurance can be given that  a Trust will retain for any length
of time its present size and composition.
 
   
    All of the Bonds in  each Trust are subject to  being called or redeemed  in
whole  or in  part prior  to their  stated maturities  pursuant to  the optional
redemption provisions described in  the "Schedule of Investments"  in Part A  of
this  Prospectus and  in most  cases pursuant  to a  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions. See the discussion of the various types  of
bond  issues,  above, for  information  on the  call  provisions of  such bonds,
particularly single family mortgage revenue bonds.
    
 
   
    The exercise of redemption or call provisions will (except to the extent the
proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay for Unit redemptions) result in the
distribution of  principal  and may  result  in a  reduction  in the  amount  of
subsequent  interest distributions;  it may  also affect  the current  return on
Units of the Trust  involved. The exercise of  redemption or call provisions  is
more  likely  to occur  in  situations where  the  Bonds have  an  offering side
evaluation which represents a  premium over par (as  opposed to a discount  from
par).  (In  the  case  of  original issue  discount  bonds,  such  redemption is
generally to  be made  at the  issue price  plus the  amount of  original  issue
discount accreted to the date of redemption; such price is referred to herein as
"accreted  value"). Because Bonds may have been  valued at prices above or below
par value or the then current accreted  value at the time Units were  purchased,
Unitholders  may realize  gain or loss  upon the redemption  of portfolio Bonds.
(See "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS  OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS  MADE
TO  UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B and the "Schedule  of Investments" in Part A of this
Prospectus.)
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
    CERTAIN TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.    Certain of  the  Bonds  in  a  Trust's
portfolio  may be subject to continuing requirements regarding the actual use of
bond proceeds,  the  manner of  operation  of  the project  financed  from  bond
proceeds  or the rebate  of excess earnings  on bond proceeds,  any of which may
affect the exemption  of interest on  such Bonds from  Federal income  taxation.
Although  at the time of issuance of each  of the Bonds in each Trust an opinion
of bond counsel was rendered as to the exemption of interest on such obligations
from Federal income  taxation, and  the issuers  covenanted to  comply with  all
requirements  necessary to retain the tax-exempt  status of the Bonds, there can
be  no  assurance  that  the  respective  issuers  or  other  obligors  on  such
obligations  will fulfill  the various continuing  requirements established upon
issuance of the Bonds. A  failure to comply with  such requirements may cause  a
determination  that interest  on such obligations  is subject  to Federal income
taxation, perhaps even retroactively  from the date of  issuance of such  Bonds,
thereby   reducing  the  value  of  the  Bonds  and  subjecting  Unitholders  to
unanticipated tax liabilities.
    
 
    To the best knowledge of the Sponsor,  there is no litigation pending as  of
the  Date of Deposit in respect of  any Bonds which might reasonably be expected
to have a  material adverse effect  on any of  the Trusts. It  is possible  that
after  the Date of Deposit, litigation may be initiated with respect to Bonds in
any Trust. Any  such litigation may  affect the  validity of such  Bonds or  the
tax-exempt  nature of the interest thereon,  but while the outcome of litigation
of such nature can never be entirely predicted, the opinions of bond counsel  to
the  issuer of  each Bond  on the date  of issuance  state that  such Bonds were
validly issued and that the interest thereon is, to the extent indicated, exempt
from Federal income tax.
 
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
   
Insurance guaranteeing  the  timely payment,  when  due, of  all  principal  and
interest  on the Bonds in each Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor or
by the issuers or underwriters of the Bonds from the MBIA Insurance  Corporation
(the  "Insurer"). Certain of the  Bonds in an Insured Trust  may be covered by a
policy or policies of insurance obtained  by the issuers or underwriters of  the
Bonds  from  Municipal Bond  Insurance Association  (the "Association")  or Bond
Investors Guaranty Insurance Company ("BIG"). The claims-paying ability of  both
the  Insurer  and the  Association was  rated  "AAA Prime  Grade" by  Standard &
Poor's. Moody's  rates all  bond issues  insured by  either the  Insurer or  the
Association  "Aaa" and short-term loans "MIG  1." Fitch, upon request, rates all
bond issues insured by the Insurer or the Association "AAA" and short-term loans
"F-1." All such ratings designate the highest quality. The Insurer has issued  a
policy  or  policies of  insurance covering  each  of the  Bonds in  the Insured
Trusts, each policy to remain in force  until the payment in full of such  Bonds
and  whether or not  the Bonds continue to  be held by an  Insured Trust. By the
terms of each policy the Insurer  will unconditionally guarantee to the  holders
or  owners of  the Bonds the  payment, when due,  required of the  issuer of the
Bonds of an amount equal to the principal  of and interest on the Bonds as  such
payments  shall become  due but  not be paid  (except that  in the  event of any
acceleration of the  due date of  principal by reason  of mandatory or  optional
redemption,  default or otherwise, the payments  guaranteed will be made in such
amounts and  at  such times  as  would  have been  due  had there  not  been  an
acceleration).
    
 
   
    Insurance  guaranteeing the timely  payment, when due,  of all principal and
interest on certain Bonds in a Traditional  Trust may have been obtained by  the
Sponsor,  issuer or underwriter  of the particular Bonds  involved or by another
party. Such insurance, which  provides coverage substantially  the same as  that
obtained  with  respect  to  Bonds  in Insured  Trusts  as  described  above, is
effective so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer remains  in
business.  Insurance relates only  to the particular  Bond and not  to the Units
offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a rating of
"Aaa" by  Moody's,  "AAA"  by  Fitch  and/or  "AAA"  by  Standard  &  Poor's  in
recognition of such insurance.
    
 
   
    If  a Bond in a Traditional Trust  is insured, the "Schedule of Investments"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus  will identify the insurer. There can  be
no  assurance  that any  insurer  listed therein  will  be able  to  satisfy its
commitments in the  event claims  are made in  the future.  However, Standard  &
Poor's,  Fitch  and/or  Moody's have  rated  the claims-paying  ability  of each
insurer "AAA," "AAA" or "Aaa," respectively.
    
 
   
    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New  York
Stock  Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is  not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against the Insurer. The Insurer is domiciled in the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and  subject to regulation under the laws of  all
50  states,  the District  of  Columbia, the  Commonwealth  of Puerto  Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,  the Virgin Islands of the  United
States  and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has  laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments  and requiring  the approval of  policy rates and  forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may  be
insured,  the  payment  of dividends  by  the  insurer, changes  in  control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves  on its  liabilities  in certain  amounts and  for  certain
periods of time.
    
 
   
    As  of December  31, 1995  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.8 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.5 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $1.3  billion  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of September 30, 1996, the  Insurer had admitted assets of $4.3
billion (unaudited), total  liabilities of $2.9  billion (unaudited), and  total
capital  and surplus of  $1.4 billion (unaudited)  determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    The  Association is comprised  of the five insurance  companies set forth in
the following table, which provides certain unaudited financial information with
respect to each of the five insurance companies comprising the Association.
 
   
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                             AS OF MARCH 31, 1995.
                                (000'S OMITTED)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               NEW YORK      NEW YORK       NEW YORK
                                                                              STATUTORY     STATUTORY    POLICYHOLDERS
                                                                                ASSETS     LIABILITIES      SURPLUS
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
The AEtna Casualty & Surety Company........................................  $ 10,225,604  $  8,312,158  $   1,913,446
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company...........................................     7,126,217     5,116,059      2,010,158
The Travelers Indemnity Company............................................    10,461,356     8,654,130      1,807,226
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly Aetna Insurance Company).....     4,260,177     3,637,513        622,664
The Continental Insurance Company..........................................     3,060,583     2,380,723        679,860
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
        Total..............................................................  $ 35,133,937  $ 28,100,583  $   7,033,354
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Insurance companies  are subject  to  extensive regulation  and  supervision
where  they  do  business  by state  insurance  commissioners  who  regulate the
standards of solvency which must be maintained, the nature of and limitations on
investments, reports of financial condition, and requirements regarding reserves
for unearned premiums, losses  and other matters. A  significant portion of  the
assets  of insurance companies is required by  law to be held in reserve against
potential claims on policies and is not available to general creditors. Although
the federal  government does  not regulate  the business  of insurance,  federal
initiatives  including  pension  regulation,  controls  on  medical  care costs,
minimum standards for no-fault automobile insurance, national health  insurance,
tax  law changes affecting life insurance  companies and repeal of the antitrust
exemption for  the insurance  business can  significantly impact  the  insurance
business.
    
 
    The  above ratings are not  recommendations to buy, sell  or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may  be subject to  revision or withdrawal at  any time by  the
rating  agencies. Any downward revision or  withdrawal of either or both ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. See the Information
Supplement--for further information concerning insurance.
 
    Because the insurance on the Bonds, if any, will be effective so long as the
Bonds are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in  determining
the  market value  of the  Bonds and therefore  some value  attributable to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Insured Trusts.  The
insurance  does not, however, guarantee the market  value of the Bonds or of the
Units.
 
HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?
 
The Public Offering Price of the Units  of each Trust is equal to the  Trustee's
determination  of the aggregate  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds deposited therein
(minus any  advancement  to the  principal  account of  the  Trust made  by  the
Trustee)  plus a sales charge set forth  in "Essential Information" in Part A of
this Prospectus, in  each case  adding to  the total  thereof cash  held by  the
Trust,  if  any,  and  dividing the  sum  so  obtained by  the  number  of Units
outstanding in the Trust. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."
 
   
    The sales charge applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a  graduated
scale  for sales to any purchaser  of at least $50,000 or  500 Units and will be
applied on whichever basis is more  favorable to the purchaser. For purposes  of
calculating  the applicable  sales charge,  purchasers who  have indicated their
intent to purchase a specified  amount of Units of any  Trust in the primary  or
secondary  offering period by executing and delivering a letter of intent to the
Sponsor, which letter of intent must be in a form acceptable to the Sponsor  and
shall  have a maximum duration of thirteen months, will be eligible to receive a
reduced sales charge according  to the following tables  based on the amount  of
intended  aggregate  purchases as  expressed  in the  letter  of intent.  Due to
administrative limitations and in  order to permit  adequate tracking, the  only
secondary  market  purchases that  will be  permitted to  be applied  toward the
intended specified amount and that will receive the corresponding reduced  sales
charge  are  those Units  that  are acquired  through  or from  the  Sponsor. By
establishing a letter of intent, a Unitholder agrees that the first purchase  of
Units  following the execution of  such letter of intent will  be at least 5% of
the  total  amount  of  the  intended  aggregate  purchases  expressed  in  such
Unitholder's  letter of intent. Further, through the establishment of the letter
of intent, such Unitholder agrees that Units representing 5% of the total amount
of the  intended  purchases  will be  held  in  escrow by  the  Trustee  pending
completion of these purchases. All distributions on Units held in escrow will be
credited  to  such  Unitholder's  account.  If  total  purchases  prior  to  the
expiration of the letter of intent  period equal or exceed the amount  specified
in a Unitholder's letter of intent, the Units held in escrow will be transferred
to such Unitholder's account. A Unitholder who purchases Units during the letter
of  intent period in excess  of the number of  Units specified in a Unitholder's
letter of intent, the amount of which would cause the Unitholder to be  eligible
to receive an additional sales charge reduction, will be allowed such additional
sales  charge reduction on the purchase of  Units which caused the Unitholder to
reach such  new  breakpoint level  and  on  all additional  purchases  of  Units
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
during  the letter of  intent period. If  the total purchases  are less than the
amount specified, the Unitholder involved must  pay the Sponsor an amount  equal
to  the difference between the amounts paid  for these purchases and the amounts
which would have  been paid if  the higher  sales charge had  been applied;  the
Unitholder  will, however, be entitled to any reduced sales charge qualified for
by reaching any  lower breakpoint  level. If such  Unitholder does  not pay  the
additional  amount within 20  days after written  request by the  Sponsor or the
Unitholder's securities representative, the Sponsor will instruct the Trustee to
redeem an appropriate number of the escrowed Units to meet the required payment.
By establishing  a  letter of  intent,  a Unitholder  irrevocably  appoints  the
Sponsor  as  attorney  to  give  instructions  to  redeem  any  or  all  of such
Unitholder's escrowed Units, with full power of substitution in the premises.  A
Unitholder  or his  securities representative  must notify  the Sponsor whenever
such Unitholder makes a purchase of Units  that he wishes to be counted  towards
the  intended amount.  Sales charges during  the primary offering  period are as
follows:
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              NATIONAL AND
                                                                                                                 STATE
                                          NATIONAL AND STATE LONG TERM                                        INTERMEDIATE
                                                     TRUSTS                   LONG INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS           TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET             OF
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Less than 500...........................         4.90 %          5.152 %           4.25 %          4.439 %           3.90%
500 but less than 1,000.................         4.75            4.987             4.15            4.330             3.70
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         4.50            4.712             3.85            4.004             3.50
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         4.25            4.439             3.60            3.734             3.25
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         3.50            3.627             3.35            3.466             3.00
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         3.00            3.093             3.00            3.093             2.75
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         2.50            2.564             2.50            2.564             2.50
50,000 or more..........................         2.00            2.041             2.00            2.041             2.00
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                       <C>
                                            PERCENT
                                             OF NET
                                             AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------
Less than 500...........................        4.058 %
500 but less than 1,000.................        3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500...............        3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000...............        3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000..............        3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000.............        2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000.............        2.564
50,000 or more..........................        2.041
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NATIONAL AND STATE SHORT
                                               INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS                SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Less than 500...........................         3.00 %          3.093 %           2.50 %          2.564 %
500 but less than 1,000.................         2.80            2.881             2.30            2.354
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         2.60            2.670             2.10            2.145
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         2.35            2.407             1.85            1.885
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         2.10            2.145             1.60            1.626
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         1.85            1.885             1.35            1.368
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         1.80            1.833             1.25            1.266
50,000 or more..........................         1.50            1.523             1.15            1.163
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on  a dollar basis and on the  basis
 of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
 2,500  Units to $250,000 etc., and will be  applied on that basis which is more
 favorable to the purchaser.
 
    For "secondary market"  sales the  Public Offering  Price per  Unit of  each
Trust is determined by adding to the Trustee's determination of the BID price of
each  Bond in the Trust  a sales charge determined  in accordance with the table
set forth below based upon the number of years remaining to the maturity of each
such Bond. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."  The effect of this method of  sales
charge  calculation will be that different sales charge rates will be applied to
the various Bonds in a Trust portfolio based upon the maturities of such  Bonds.
As  shown, the sales charge  on Bonds in each  maturity range (and therefore the
aggregate sales charge on the purchase) is reduced with respect to purchases  of
at least $50,000 or 500 Units:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                            $50,000      $100,000     $250,000     $500,000    $1,000,000   $2,500,000
                                UNDER          TO           TO           TO           TO           TO           TO       $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999      $249,999     $499,999     $999,999    $2,499,999   $4,999,999    OR MORE
- ----------------------------------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Less than 1...................         0           0            0            0            0            0            0            0
1 but less than 2.............     1.523 %     1.446 %      1.369 %      1.317 %      1.215 %      1.061 %       .900 %       .750 %
2 but less than 3.............     2.041       1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626        1.420        1.225        1.030
3 but less than 4.............     2.564       2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041        1.781        1.546        1.310
4 but less than 5.............     3.093       2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459        2.175        1.883        1.590
5 but less than 7.............     3.627       3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881        2.460        2.165        1.870
7 but less than 10............     4.167       3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239        2.828        2.489        2.150
10 but less than 13...........     4.712       4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788        3.253        2.842        2.430
13 but less than 16...........     5.263       4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167        3.627        3.169        2.710
16 or more....................     5.820       5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603        4.004        3.500        3.000
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint  sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis
  of the  number  of Units  purchased,  using the  equivalent  of 500  Units  to
  $50,000,  2,500 Units  to $250,000,  etc., and will  be applied  on that basis
  which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The secondary market sales charges above  are expressed as a percent of  the
net  amount invested; expressed as  a percent of the  Public Offering Price, the
maximum sales charge on a Trust,  for instance one consisting entirely of  Bonds
with  16 years  or more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820% of  the net amount
invested). The  actual secondary  market  sales charge  included in  the  Public
Offering  Price of  any particular  Trust will depend  on the  maturities of the
Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee may terminate a Trust if
the net asset value of such Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than  20%
of the original principal amount of the Trust.
 
   
    At  all  times while  Units are  being  offered for  sale, the  Sponsor will
appraise or cause to  be appraised daily  the value of  the underlying Bonds  in
each  Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any earlier closing time on a
day on  which the  New York  Stock  Exchange (the  "Exchange") is  scheduled  in
advance  to close at such earlier time and will adjust the Public Offering Price
of the Units commensurate with such  appraisal. Such Public Offering Price  will
be  effective for all orders received by a  dealer or the Sponsor at or prior to
4:00 p.m. eastern time on each such day  or as of any earlier closing time on  a
day on which the Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.
Orders  received after that time, or on a  day when the Exchange is closed for a
scheduled holiday  or weekend,  will be  held until  the next  determination  of
price.
    
 
   
    Accrued  interest from the preceding Record  Date to, but not including, the
settlement date of the transaction (three business days after purchase) will  be
added to the Public Offering Price to determine the purchase price of Units. See
"WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"
    
 
   
    The  graduated sales  charges set forth  above will apply  on all applicable
purchases of Nuveen  investment company securities  on any one  day by the  same
purchaser  in the amounts stated, and for  this purpose purchases of this Series
will be aggregated with concurrent purchases of any other Series or of shares of
any open-end management  investment company  of which the  Sponsor is  principal
underwriter and with respect to the purchase of which a sales charge is imposed.
Purchases  by  or for  the account  of individuals  and their  spouses, parents,
children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents-in-law, sons- and
daughters-in-law,  siblings,  a  sibling's   spouse  and  a  spouse's   siblings
("immediate  family  members") will  be aggregated  to determine  the applicable
sales charge. The graduated  sales charges are also  applicable to a trustee  or
other  fiduciary  purchasing  securities for  a  single trust  estate  or single
fiduciary account. Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price without a
sales charge by officers or directors  and by bona fide, full-time employees  of
Nuveen,  Nuveen Advisory Corp., Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and The John
Nuveen Company, including  in each  case these individuals  and their  immediate
family members (as defined above).
    
 
   
    Units  may be purchased in the primary market with sales charges of 1.70% of
the Public Offering Price for National and State Long Term Trusts, 1.35% of  the
Public Offering Price for Long Intermediate Trusts, 1.20% of the Public Offering
Price  for National and  State Intermediate Trusts, 1.0%  of the Public Offering
Price for National and  State Short Intermediate Trusts  and 1.0% of the  Public
Offering Price for Short Term Trusts by (1) investors who purchase Units through
registered  investment  advisers,  certified financial  planners  and registered
broker-dealers who  in  each case  either  charge periodic  fees  for  financial
planning,  investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or  provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive  "wrap  fee"  charge  is imposed,  (2)  bank  trust  departments
investing  funds  over which  they  exercise exclusive  discretionary investment
authority and  that  are held  in  a  fiduciary, agency,  custodial  or  similar
capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director
or  bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors or their
immediate family members (as  defined above) and (4)  officers and directors  of
bank   holding  companies  that   make  Units  available   directly  or  through
subsidiaries or bank affiliates  (collectively, the "Discounted Purchases").  In
addition,  such  investors may  purchase Units  in the  secondary market  at the
Public Offering  Price for  non-breakpoint purchases  minus the  concession  the
Sponsor  typically allows to  brokers and dealers  for non-breakpoint purchases.
Notwithstanding anything  to  the contrary  in  this Prospectus,  investors  who
purchase  Units as  described in  this paragraph  will not  receive sales charge
reductions for quantity purchases.
    
 
    The initial or primary Public Offering Price  of the Units in each Trust  is
based upon a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices per Unit of the Bonds in such
Trust  plus the  applicable sales charge.  The secondary  market Public Offering
Price of each Trust is based upon a pro rata share of the BID prices per Unit of
the Bonds in such Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The OFFERING prices of
Bonds in a Trust may be expected to average between 1/2% to 2% more than the BID
prices of such  Bonds. The difference  between the bid  side evaluation and  the
offering side evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust on the business day prior to
the Date of Deposit is shown in the discussion of each Trust portfolio.
 
    Whether  or not Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will determine
the aggregate value of each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time: (i) on each June
30 or December 31 (or, if such date is not a business day, the last business day
prior thereto), (ii) on any day on  which a Unit is tendered for redemption  (or
the  next succeeding business day  if the date of  tender is a non-business day)
and (iii) at such other times as may be necessary. For this purpose, a "business
day" shall be any day on which  the Exchange is normally open. (See "UNIT  VALUE
AND EVALUATION.")
 
MARKET FOR UNITS
 
   
During  the  initial public  offering period,  the Sponsor  intends to  offer to
purchase Units of each  Trust at a  price equivalent to the  pro rata share  per
Unit  of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such Trust (plus accrued interest).
Afterward, although  it  is not  obligated  to do  so,  the Sponsor  intends  to
maintain  a secondary  market for  Units of  each Trust  at its  own expense and
continuously to offer  to purchase  Units of each  Trust at  prices, subject  to
change  at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in the
respective portfolios of the  Trusts. UNITHOLDERS WHO WISH  TO DISPOSE OF  THEIR
UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS TO THE CURRENT REDEMPTION
PRICE.  (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?") In connection with its
secondary marketmaking activities, the Sponsor may from time to time enter  into
secondary  market  joint  account  agreements with  other  brokers  and dealers.
Pursuant to such an agreement, the Sponsor will
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
purchase Units from the  broker or dealer  at the bid price  and will place  the
Units  into a joint account managed by  the Sponsor; sales from the account will
be made in accordance with the then  current prospectus and the Sponsor and  the
broker  or  dealer  will  share  profits and  losses  in  the  joint  account in
accordance with the terms of their joint account agreement.
 
   
    Certificates, if any, for Units are  delivered to the purchaser as  promptly
after the date of settlement (three business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can  complete  the mechanics  of registration,  normally  within 48  hours after
registration instructions are received. Purchasers of Units to whom Certificates
are issued will be unable  to exercise any right  of redemption until they  have
received their Certificates, properly endorsed for transfer. (See "HOW UNITS MAY
BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?")
    
 
WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?
 
Accrued  interest is the accumulation of unpaid interest on a bond from the last
day on which  interest thereon  was paid.  Interest on  Bonds in  each Trust  is
accounted  for daily on an accrual basis. For this reason, the purchase price of
Units of a Trust will  include not only the Public  Offering Price but also  the
proportionate  share  of accrued  interest to  the  date of  settlement. Accrued
interest does not  include accrual  of original  issue discount  on zero  coupon
bonds,  Stripped Obligations  or other  original issue  discount bonds. Interest
accrues to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date  of
their purchase transaction.
 
    In  an effort to reduce the amount  of accrued interest that investors would
have to pay in addition to the Public Offering Price, the Trustee has agreed  to
advance  to each Trust the amount of accrued interest due on the Bonds as of the
Date of Deposit (which has been designated  the first Record Date for all  plans
of  distribution). This  accrued interest  will be  paid to  the Sponsor  as the
holder of record of all Units on  the Date of Deposit. Consequently, the  amount
of  accrued interest  to be  added to  the Public  Offering Price  of Units will
include only accrued interest  from the Date of  Deposit to, but not  including,
the  date of  settlement of the  investor's purchase (three  business days after
purchase), less any distributions from the related Interest Account. The Trustee
will recover its  advancements (without interest  or other cost  to the  Trusts)
from interest received on the Bonds deposited in each Trust.
 
    The  Trustee has no  cash for distribution to  Unitholders until it receives
interest payments on the Bonds in  the Trusts. Since municipal bond interest  is
accrued  daily but  paid only  semi-annually, during  the initial  months of the
Trusts, the Interest  Accounts, consisting of  accrued but uncollected  interest
and  collected interest  (cash), will  be predominantly  the uncollected accrued
interest that is not available for distribution. However, due to advances by the
Trustee, the Trustee will provide a first distribution between approximately  30
and  60 days after the Date of Deposit. Assuming each Trust retains its original
size and composition  and expenses  and fees  remain the  same, annual  interest
collected  and distributed  will approximate  the estimated  Net Annual Interest
Income stated herein. However,  the amount of accrued  interest at any point  in
time  will  be greater  than  the amount  that  the Trustee  will  have actually
received and distributed to the Unitholders. Therefore, there will always remain
an item of  accrued interest  that is  included in  the Purchase  Price and  the
redemption price of the Units.
 
   
    Interest  is accounted  for daily and  a proportionate share  of accrued and
undistributed interest computed from the preceding  Record Date is added to  the
daily  valuation of each Unit of each Trust.  (See Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?") As Bonds mature, or are  redeemed
or  sold,  the  accrued  interest  applicable to  such  bonds  is  collected and
subsequently distributed to Unitholders. Unitholders who sell or redeem all or a
portion of their Units will be  paid their proportionate share of the  remaining
accrued  interest to,  but not including,  the third business  day following the
date of sale or tender.
    
 
WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?
 
   
The Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to  the
investor  expected  to be  earned  over the  estimated  life of  the  Trust. The
Estimated Long Term Return represents an  average of the yields to maturity  (or
call)  of  the Bonds  in  the Trust's  portfolio  calculated in  accordance with
accepted bond practice and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges. Under
accepted bond practice, tax-exempt bonds are customarily offered to investors on
a "yield price" basis, which involves computation of yield to maturity or to  an
earlier  call date  (whichever produces the  lower yield), and  which takes into
account not only the interest payable on the bonds but also the amortization  or
accretion  of  any premium  over,  or discount  from,  the par  (maturity) value
inherent in the bond's purchase price. In the calculation of Estimated Long Term
Return, the average yield for a  Trust's portfolio is derived by weighting  each
Bond's yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining
to  the date to  which the Bond is  priced. This weighted  average yield is then
adjusted to  reflect estimated  expenses, is  compounded, and  is reduced  by  a
factor  which represents the amortization of  the sales charge over the expected
average life of  a Trust. The  Estimated Long Term  Return calculation does  not
take  into account the effect  of a first distribution which  may be less than a
regular distribution or may  be paid at  some point after 30  days (or a  second
distribution  which may be  less than a normal  distribution for Unitholders who
choose quarterly or  semi-annual plans of  distribution), and it  also does  not
take into account the difference in timing of payments to Unitholders who choose
quarterly  or semi-annual plans  of distribution, each of  which will reduce the
return.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
    Estimated Current Return  is computed  by dividing the  Net Annual  Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion  of discount, if any, on the  Bonds in a Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
a Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.
    
 
   
    Net Annual Interest  Income per  Unit, used to  calculate Estimated  Current
Return,  will vary  with changes  in fees  and expenses  of the  Trustee and the
Evaluator and  with the  redemption,  maturity, exchange  or  sale of  Bonds.  A
Unitholder's  actual return may vary  significantly from the Estimated Long-Term
Return, based  on their  holding  period, market  interest rate  changes,  other
factors  affecting  the  prices  of  individual  bonds  in  the  portfolio,  and
differences between  the expected  remaining  life of  portfolio bonds  and  the
actual  length of time that they remain  in a Trust; such actual holding periods
may be reduced by termination of  a Trust, as described in "OTHER  INFORMATION."
Since  both  the Estimated  Current Return  and the  Estimated Long  Term Return
quoted herein are  based on  the market  value of  the underlying  Bonds on  the
business  day prior  to the  Date of  Deposit, subsequent  calculations of these
performance  measures  will  reflect  the  then  current  market  value  of  the
underlying  Bonds and may be higher or lower. The Sponsor will provide estimated
cash flow  information relating  to a  Trust without  charge to  each  potential
investor  in a Trust who  receives this prospectus and  makes an oral or written
request to the Sponsor for such information.
    
 
   
    A portion of the  monies received by  a Trust may be  treated, in the  first
year  only, as a return of principal due to the inclusion in the Trust portfolio
of "when-issued"  or  other  Bonds  having delivery  dates  after  the  date  of
settlement  for purchases  made on  the Date of  Deposit. A  consequence of this
treatment is that in the computation  of Estimated Current Return for the  first
year, such monies are excluded from Net Annual Interest Income and treated as an
adjustment  to the Public Offering Price. (See "Essential Information" appearing
in Part A  of this  Prospectus, "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS"  and "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?")
    
 
    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on  a
Trust  and returns  over specified periods  on other similar  Nuveen Trusts with
returns on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds,  bank
CD's  and  money  market accounts  or  money  market funds,  each  of  which has
investment characteristics  that  may  differ  from those  of  the  Trust.  U.S.
Government  bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds  provide
stability  of principal, but pay interest at  rates that vary with the condition
of the short-term debt market. The investment characteristics of the Trusts  are
described more fully elsewhere in the Prospectus.
 
HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?
 
   
The prices at which the Bonds deposited in the Trusts would have been offered to
the  public on the business day prior to  the Date of Deposit were determined by
the Trustee on the basis  of an evaluation of such  Bonds prepared by Kenny  S&P
Evaluation  Services, a division of J. J.  Kenny Co., Inc. ("Kenny S&P"), a firm
regularly  engaged  in  the  business  of  evaluating,  quoting  or   appraising
comparable  bonds. With respect to Bonds in  Insured Trusts and insured Bonds in
Traditional Trusts, Kenny S&P evaluated the  Bonds as so insured. (See "WHY  AND
HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")
    
 
    The  amount by which  the Trustee's determination of  the OFFERING PRICES of
the Bonds deposited  in the Trusts  was greater or  less than the  cost of  such
Bonds  to  the  Sponsor was  PROFIT  OR LOSS  to  the Sponsor  exclusive  of any
underwriting profit.  (See Part  A of  this Prospectus.)  The Sponsor  also  may
realize  FURTHER PROFIT OR SUSTAIN  FURTHER LOSS as a  result of fluctuations in
the Public Offering  Price of the  Units. Cash,  if any, made  available to  the
Sponsor  prior to the settlement  date for a purchase of  Units, or prior to the
acquisition of all Portfolio securities by a Trust, may be available for use  in
the Sponsor's business, and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.
 
WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?
 
   
At  the respective  times of  issuance of  the Bonds,  opinions relating  to the
validity thereof and  to the exclusion  of interest thereon  from Federal  gross
income  were rendered by bond counsel  to the respective issuing authorities. In
addition, with respect to  State Trusts, where applicable,  bond counsel to  the
issuing  authorities rendered opinions  as to the exemption  of interest on such
Bonds, when held by residents  of the state in which  the issuers of such  Bonds
are  located, from state income taxes and certain state or local intangibles and
local income taxes. For a discussion of the tax status of State Trusts, see Part
A of this Prospectus. Neither  the Sponsor nor Chapman  and Cutler has made  any
special review for the Trusts of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the
Bonds  or of the basis for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If the
interest on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would  generally
have  to be  sold at  a substantial  discount. In  addition, investors  could be
required to pay  income tax  on interest  received prior  to the  date of  which
interest is determined to be taxable.
    
 
    Federally  tax-exempt income, including income on  Units of the Trusts, will
be taken into consideration in computing the portion, if any, of social security
benefits received that will be included in a taxpayer's gross income subject  to
the Federal income tax.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
    Gain  realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or of a
Unit by  a Unitholder  is includable  in  gross income  for Federal  income  tax
purposes,  and may be includable  in gross income for  state tax purposes. (Such
gain does not  include any  amounts received  in respect  of tax-exempt  accrued
interest  or accrued original issue discount, if any.) Sections 1288 and 1272 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") provide a complex set
of rules governing the accrual of  original issue discount. These rules  provide
that  original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant compound
interest rate or ratably over  the term of the Bond,  depending on the date  the
Bond  was issued. In  addition, special rules  apply if the  purchase price of a
Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount
which would have previously  accrued based upon its  issue price (its  "adjusted
issue price") to prior owners. If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that
portion  of the price paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of
the Bond. When this accrued interest is  received, it is treated as a return  of
capital  and reduces the  tax basis of  the Bond. If  a Bond is  purchased for a
premium, the amount of the premium is added  to the tax basis of the Bond.  Bond
premium  is amortized over the remaining term of  the Bond, and the tax basis of
the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium amortized in that
tax year. The application of these rules  will also vary depending on the  value
of  the Bond  on the  date a  Unitholder acquires  his Units  and the  price the
Unitholder pays  for  his  Units.  Unitholders should  consult  with  their  tax
advisers regarding these rules and their application.
    
 
   
    The "Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-exempt
bonds  to the market discount  rules of the Code,  effective for bonds purchased
after April 30,  1993. In general,  market discount  is the amount  (if any)  by
which  the stated  redemption price at  maturity exceeds  an investor's purchase
price (except to  the extent that  such difference, if  any, is attributable  to
original  issue discount  not yet  accrued), subject  to a  statutory DE MINIMIS
rule. Market discount can arise based on the price the Trust pays for the  Bonds
or  the  price a  Unitholder  pays for  his  or her  Units.  Under the  Tax Act,
accretion of market discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior law, the
accretion had been treated as capital gain. Market discount that accretes  while
the Trust holds a Bond would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unitholders
when  principal payments are  received on the  Bond, upon sale  or at redemption
(including early  redemption), or  upon the  sale or  redemption of  his or  her
Units,  unless a Unitholder elects to  include market discount in taxable income
as it accrues.  The market  discount rules  are complex  and Unitholders  should
consult their tax advisors regarding these rules and their application.
    
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law:
 
   
    (1) the  Trusts  are not  associations taxable  as corporations  for Federal
        income tax purposes, and interest and accrued original issue discount on
        Bonds which is excludable from gross  income under the Code will  retain
        its  status when distributed  to the Unitholders;  however such interest
        may be taken into account in  computing the alternative minimum tax,  an
        additional tax on branches of foreign corporations and the environmental
        tax  (the  "Superfund  Tax").  See "CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS  APPLICABLE TO
        CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS", below;
    
 
   
    (2) each Unitholder of a Trust is considered  to be the owner of a pro  rata
        portion  of such Trust under Subpart E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the
        Code and will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a Bond  or
        when  the Unitholder redeems or sells Units. Unitholders must reduce the
        tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
        the Trust, if  any, on  Bonds delivered  after the  Unitholders pay  for
        their  Units  to the  extent that  such interest  accrued on  such Bonds
        before the  date the  Trust acquired  ownership of  the Bonds  (and  the
        amount  of this reduction may exceed the amount of accrued interest paid
        to the seller) during the period from the Unitholders settlement date to
        the date  such  Bonds  are  delivered  to  the  respective  Trusts  and,
        consequently,  such Unitholders may have an  increase in taxable gain or
        reduction in capital loss  upon the disposition of  such Units. Gain  or
        loss  upon the sale or redemption of  Units is measured by comparing the
        proceeds of  such sale  or redemption  with the  adjusted basis  of  the
        Units.  If the  Trustee disposes of  Bonds (whether by  sale, payment at
        maturity, redemption or otherwise),  gain or loss  is recognized to  the
        Unitholder. The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing
        the  Unitholder's  pro  rata  share  of  the  total  proceeds  from such
        disposition with  the  Unitholder's  basis for  his  or  her  fractional
        interest  in the  asset disposed  of. In  the case  of a  Unitholder who
        purchases Units, such basis (before adjustment for earned original issue
        discount  and  amortized  bond  premium,   if  any)  is  determined   by
        apportioning  the  cost of  the  Units among  each  of the  Trust assets
        ratably according to value as of the valuation date nearest the date  of
        acquisition  of the Units. The tax  basis reduction requirements of said
        Code  relating  to  amortization  of   bond  premium  may,  under   some
        circumstances,  result in the  Unitholder realizing a  taxable gain when
        his or her Units are sold or  redeemed for an amount less than or  equal
        to their original cost; and
    
 
   
    (3) any  amounts paid on defaulted Bonds  held by the Trustee under policies
        of insurance issued with respect to  such Bonds will be excludable  from
        Federal  gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would
        have been so excludable if  paid in the normal  course by the issuer  of
        the  defaulted  Bonds  provided  that, at  the  time  such  policies are
        purchased, the amounts paid for such policies are reasonable,  customary
        and  consistent with the  reasonable expectation that  the issuer of the
        Bonds, rather than  the insurer,  will pay  debt service  on the  Bonds.
        Paragraph  (2)  of  this  opinion is  accordingly  applicable  to policy
        proceeds representing maturing interest.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, counsel to the Trustee, and, in the
absence of a New York Trust from the Series, special counsel for the Series  for
New York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Under  the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, each Trust
    is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of each  Trust
    will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.
 
    For  a summary of  each opinion of  special counsel to  the respective State
Trusts for state tax matters, see Part A of this Prospectus.
 
   
    ALL STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME  FOR
FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO
CONSTRUED.
    
 
   
    Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the Code,
interest  on indebtedness incurred or continued to  purchase or carry Units of a
Trust is not deductible  for Federal income tax  purposes. The Internal  Revenue
Service  has  taken the  position that  such indebtedness  need not  be directly
traceable to the purchase or carrying  of Units (however, these rules  generally
do  not apply to interest paid on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a
personal residence).  Also, under  Section 265  of the  Code, certain  financial
institutions that acquire Units would generally not be able to deduct any of the
interest  expense attributable to ownership of  such Units. On December 7, 1995,
the U.S. Treasury  Department released  proposed legislation  that, if  enacted,
would  generally  extend the  financial institution  rules to  all corporations,
effective for obligations  acquired after  the date  of announcement.  Investors
with questions regarding this issue should consult with their tax advisers.
    
 
   
    In  the case  of certain  of the Bonds  in the  Trust, the  opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial user" of
the facilities  being financed  with the  proceeds of  these Bonds,  or  persons
related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by such a user or related
person,  will not be excludable from  Federal gross income, although interest on
such Bonds received  by others would  be excludable from  Federal gross  income.
"Substantial  user" and  "related person"  are defined  under the  Code and U.S.
Treasury Regulations.  Any  person  who  believes  that  he  or  she  may  be  a
"substantial user" or a "related person" as so defined should contact his or her
tax adviser.
    
 
    For  purposes of computing  the alternative minimum  tax for individuals and
corporations, interest on certain specified tax-exempt private activity bonds is
included as a preference item. The Trusts do not include any such bonds.
 
   
    CERTAIN TAX  MATTERS APPLICABLE  TO CORPORATE  UNITHOLDERS. In  the case  of
certain  corporations, the alternative minimum tax  and the Superfund Tax depend
upon the corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's taxable income  with certain  adjustments. One  of the  adjustment
items  used in computing AMTI and the Superfund Tax of a corporation (other than
an S corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or
REMIC) is an amount equal to 75%  of the excess of such corporation's  "adjusted
current  earnings" over an amount equal to its AMTI (before such adjustment item
and the  alternative  tax  net  operating  loss  deduction).  "Adjusted  current
earnings"  includes all tax-exempt interest, including  interest on all Bonds in
the Trust. Under current  Code provisions, the Superfund  Tax does not apply  to
tax  years beginning  on or  after January 1,  1996. However,  the Superfund Tax
could be extended  retroactively. Under  the provisions  of Section  884 of  the
Code,  a branch profits tax is levied on the "effectively connected earnings and
profits" of certain foreign corporations which include tax-exempt interest  such
as  interest on  the Bonds  in the Trust.  Unitholders should  consult their tax
advisors with respect to the particular  tax consequences to them including  the
corporate  alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch profits tax
imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
    
 
   
    Ownership  of  the  Units  may  result  in  collateral  federal  income  tax
consequences  to certain taxpayers,  including, without limitation, corporations
subject to either  the environmental tax  or the branch  profits tax,  financial
institutions,  certain insurance  companies, certain  S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and taxpayers  who
may  be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness to purchase or carry
tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors should consult their tax  advisers
as to the applicability of any such collateral consequences.
    
 
   
    EXCEPT  AS NOTED ABOVE  AND IN PART  A OF THIS  PROSPECTUS, THE EXEMPTION OF
INTEREST ON  STATE  AND  LOCAL  OBLIGATIONS  FOR  FEDERAL  INCOME  TAX  PURPOSES
DISCUSSED  ABOVE DOES  NOT NECESSARILY RESULT  IN EXEMPTION UNDER  THE INCOME OR
OTHER TAX LAWS OF ANY  STATE OR CITY. THE LAWS  OF THE SEVERAL STATES VARY  WITH
RESPECT TO THE TAXATION OF SUCH OBLIGATIONS.
    
 
WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No  annual advisory  fee is charged  to the  Trusts by the  Sponsor. The Sponsor
does, however, receive a fee as set  forth in "Essential Information" in Part  A
of  this  Prospectus  for regularly  evaluating  the Bonds  and  for maintaining
surveillance over the portfolio. (See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION.")
 
    The Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for  each
plan  of distribution  for each  Trust as  set forth  in "Essential Information"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus. Each annual fee is per $1,000  principal
amount  of the underlying  Bonds in a Trust  for that portion  of the Trust that
represents  a  particular  plan  of  distribution.  The  Trustee's  fee  may  be
periodically  adjusted in response to  fluctuations in short-term interest rates
(reflecting the  cost to  the Trustee  of advancing  funds to  a Trust  to  meet
scheduled  distributions) and  may be  further adjusted  in accordance  with the
cumulative percentage  increase  of  the United  States  Department  of  Labor's
Consumer  Price Index  entitled "All  Services Less  Rent of  Shelter" since the
establishment of the Trusts.  The Trustee has  the use of  funds, if any,  being
held in the Interest and
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
Principal  Accounts of each Trust for  future distributions, payment of expenses
and  redemptions.  These  Accounts  are  non-interest  bearing  to  Unitholders.
Pursuant  to normal  banking procedures,  the Trustee  benefits from  the use of
funds held therein. Part of the  Trustee's compensation for its services to  the
Trusts is expected to result from such use of these funds.
    
 
    Premiums  for the policies  of insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the
Bond issuers with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to
insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts have been paid in full prior to the  deposit
of the Bonds in the Trusts, and the value of such insurance has been included in
the evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust and accordingly in the Public Offering
Price  of Units of each Trust. There  are no annual continuing premiums for such
insurance.
 
   
    All or  a portion  of  the expenses  incurred  in establishing  the  Trusts,
including costs of preparing the registration statement, the trust indenture and
other  closing  documents, registering  Units with  the Securities  and Exchange
Commission and states, the  initial audit of each  Trust portfolio, the  initial
evaluation,  legal fees, the  initial fees and  expenses of the  Trustee and any
other non-material  out-of-pocket  expenses, will  be  paid by  the  Trusts  and
amortized over the first five years of such Trusts. The following are additional
expenses of the Trusts and, when paid by or are owed to the Trustee, are secured
by  a lien  on the  assets of  the Trust  or Trusts  to which  such expenses are
allocable: (1) the expenses and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee to
protect the Trusts  and the  rights and interests  of the  Unitholders; (2)  all
taxes  and other governmental charges  upon the Bonds or  any part of the Trusts
(no such taxes or charges are being levied  or made or, to the knowledge of  the
Sponsor,  contemplated); (3) amounts payable to the Trustee as fees for ordinary
recurring  services  and  for  extraordinary  non-recurring  services   rendered
pursuant to the Indenture, all disbursements and expenses including counsel fees
(including  fees  of bond  counsel which  the Trustee  may retain)  sustained or
incurred by  the  Trustee  in  connection  therewith;  and  (4)  any  losses  or
liabilities  accruing to  the Trustee without  negligence, bad  faith or willful
misconduct on its part. The Trustee is  empowered to sell Bonds in order to  pay
these  amounts if funds  are not otherwise available  in the applicable Interest
and Principal Accounts.
    
 
    The Indenture requires each Trust  to be audited on  an annual basis at  the
expense  of the Trust by independent public accountants selected by the Sponsor.
The Trustee  shall not  be  required, however,  to cause  such  an audit  to  be
performed  if its cost to a Trust shall exceed $.05 per Unit on an annual basis.
Unitholders of a  Trust covered by  an audit may  obtain a copy  of the  audited
financial statements upon request.
 
WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
Interest received by the Trustee on the Bonds in each Trust, including that part
of  the proceeds of  any disposition of Bonds  which represents accrued interest
and including  any insurance  proceeds representing  interest due  on  defaulted
Bonds,  shall be credited to the "Interest  Account" of such Trust and all other
moneys received by the Trustee shall  be credited to the "Principal Account"  of
such Trust.
 
    The  pro rata share of  cash in the Principal Account  in each Trust will be
computed as of each semi-annual Record Date and distributions to the Unitholders
as of such Record Date will be made on or shortly after the fifteenth day of the
month. Proceeds received from the disposition, including sale, call or maturity,
of any of the Bonds and all amounts  paid with respect to zero coupon bonds  and
Stripped  Obligations will be held  in the Principal Account  and either used to
pay for Units  redeemed or distributed  on the Distribution  Date following  the
next semi-annual Record Date. The Trustee is not required to make a distribution
from  the  Principal  Account  of  any Trust  unless  the  amount  available for
distribution in such account equals at least ten cents per Unit.
 
    The pro rata share of the Interest Account in each Trust will be computed by
the Trustee each month as of each Record Date and distributions will be made  on
or  shortly after the fifteenth day of the month to Unitholders of such Trust as
of the Record Date who are entitled to distributions at that time under the plan
of distribution chosen. Persons who purchase  Units between a Record Date and  a
Distribution Date will receive their first distribution on the Distribution Date
following the next Record Date under the applicable plan of distribution.
 
    Purchasers  of  Units  who desire  to  receive interest  distributions  on a
monthly or quarterly basis may elect to do so at the time of purchase during the
initial public offering  period. Those indicating  no choice will  be deemed  to
have  chosen the  semi-annual distribution  plan. All  Unitholders, however, who
purchase Units during the  initial public offering period  and who hold them  of
record on the first Record Date will receive the first distribution of interest.
Thereafter, Record Dates for monthly distributions will be the first day of each
month;  Record  Dates  for quarterly  distributions  will  be the  first  day of
February,  May,  August   and  November;  and   Record  Dates  for   semi-annual
distributions  will be  the first day  of May and  November. See Part  A of this
Prospectus for details of distributions per Unit of each Trust under the various
plans based upon estimated  Net Annual Interest Income  at the Date of  Deposit.
The  amount of  the regular distributions  will generally change  when Bonds are
redeemed, mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease. For
the purpose of minimizing  fluctuations in the  distributions from the  Interest
Account  of a Trust, the Trustee is authorized to advance such amounts as may be
necessary to provide for interest distributions of approximately equal  amounts.
The  Trustee shall be  reimbursed, without interest, for  any such advances from
funds in  the Interest  Account of  such  Trust. The  Trustee's fee  takes  into
account  the costs  attributable to  the outlay of  capital needed  to make such
advances.
 
    The plan of  distribution selected  by a  Unitholder will  remain in  effect
until  changed.  Unitholders  purchasing  Units  in  the  secondary  market will
initially receive distributions  in accordance  with the election  of the  prior
owner. Unitholders
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
desiring  to change their  plan of distribution  may do so  by sending a written
notice requesting the change, together with any Certificate(s), to the  Trustee.
The notice and any Certificate(s) must be received by the Trustee not later than
the  semi-annual Record Date to be  effective as of the semi-annual distribution
following the subsequent semi-annual Record  Date. Unitholders are requested  to
make  any  such changes  within 45  days  prior to  the applicable  Record Date.
Certificates should only be sent by registered or certified mail to minimize the
possibility of  their being  lost or  stolen. (See  "OWNERSHIP AND  TRANSFER  OF
UNITS.")
 
   
    As  of the first day of each month the Trustee will deduct from the Interest
Account of a Trust or, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from  the
Principal  Account of a  Trust, amounts needed  for payment of  expenses of such
Trust. The Trustee also may withdraw from said accounts such amount, if any,  as
it  deems necessary to establish a  reserve for any governmental charges payable
out of such  Trust. Amounts so  withdrawn shall not  be considered a  part of  a
Trust's  assets until such time  as the Trustee shall return  all or any part of
such amounts to the appropriate account. In addition, the Trustee shall withdraw
from the Interest Account and the Principal  Account of a Trust such amounts  as
may  be necessary to  cover redemptions of  Units of such  Trust by the Trustee.
Funds which are available for  future distributions, redemptions and payment  of
expenses  are held in accounts which are non-interest bearing to Unitholders and
are available for use by the Trustee pursuant to normal banking procedures.
    
 
ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
   
The Sponsor is also the principal  underwriter of several open-end mutual  funds
(the  "Accumulation Funds") into which Unitholders  may choose to reinvest Trust
distributions. Unitholders  may elect  to  reinvest principal  distributions  or
interest  and principal  distributions automatically, without  any sales charge.
Each Accumulation  Fund  has  investment  objectives  which  differ  in  certain
respects  from those of the Trusts and  may invest in securities which would not
be eligible  for  deposit in  the  Trusts. Further  information  concerning  the
Accumulation  Plan  and  a  list  of Accumulation  Funds  is  set  forth  in the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus,  which may be obtained by  contacting
the Trustee at the phone number listed on the back cover of this Prospectus.
    
 
Participants  may at any time, by so  notifying the Trustee in writing, elect to
change  the  Accumulation  Fund  into   which  their  distributions  are   being
reinvested,  to change from principal only  reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units  in
cash.  There will be no  charge or other penalty for  such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust  distributions for income tax purposes  will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
 
HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
   
The  Trustee  shall  furnish Unitholders  of  a  Trust in  connection  with each
distribution, a statement of the amount of  interest, if any, and the amount  of
other  receipts (received  since the preceding  distribution) being distributed,
expressed in each case  as a dollar  amount representing the  pro rata share  of
each Unit of a Trust outstanding and a year to date summary of all distributions
paid  on said Units.  Within a reasonable period  of time after  the end of each
calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to each person, who at any time  during
the  calendar year  was a  registered Unitholder  of a  Trust, a  statement with
respect to  such  Trust  (i)  as to  the  Interest  Account:  interest  received
(including  amounts  representing  interest  received  upon  any  disposition of
Bonds), and, except  for any  State Trust, the  percentage of  such interest  by
states  in which the issuers  of the Bonds are  located, deductions for fees and
expenses of such Trust, redemption of Units and the balance remaining after such
distributions and deductions,  expressed in  each case  both as  a total  dollar
amount  and as  a dollar  amount representing  the pro  rata share  of each Unit
outstanding on the  last business  day of  such calendar  year; (ii)  as to  the
Principal  Account: the dates of  disposition of any Bonds  and the net proceeds
received therefrom (excluding  any portion representing  accrued interest),  the
amount  paid for purchase of Replacement  Bonds, the amount paid upon redemption
of Units, deductions for  payment of applicable taxes  and fees and expenses  of
the  Trustee, and the balance remaining  after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount representing  the
pro  rata  share of  each  Unit outstanding  on the  last  business day  of such
calendar year;  (iii)  a  list  of  the Bonds  held  and  the  number  of  Units
outstanding  on the last business day of such calendar year; (iv) the Unit Value
based upon the last computation thereof made during such calendar year; and  (v)
amounts actually distributed during such calendar year from the Interest Account
and  from  the Principal  Account, separately  stated,  expressed both  as total
dollar amounts and  as dollar amounts  representing the pro  rata share of  each
Unit  outstanding. Each annual  statement will reflect  pertinent information in
respect of  all  plans of  distribution  so  that Unitholders  may  be  informed
regarding the results of other plans of distribution.
    
 
UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION
 
   
The  value of each  Trust is determined by  the Sponsor on the  basis of (1) the
cash on hand in the Trust or moneys  in the process of being collected, (2)  the
value  of the Bonds in  the Trust based on  the BID prices of  the Bonds and (3)
interest  accrued  thereon   not  subject  to   collection,  LESS  (1)   amounts
representing  taxes or governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (2) the
accrued expenses of the Trust. The result of such computation is divided by  the
number  of Units of such  Trust outstanding as of  the date thereof to determine
the per Unit value ("Unit Value") of  such Trust. The Sponsor may determine  the
value  of the Bonds in each Trust (1) on  the basis of current BID prices of the
Bonds obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds  comparable
to  those held by a  Trust, (2) if bid  prices are not available  for any of the
Bonds, on the basis of bid prices for comparable bonds, (3) by causing the value
of the Bonds to be determined by others
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
engaged in the practice of evaluating, quoting or appraising comparable bonds or
(4) by any combination of  the above. Although the Unit  Value of each Trust  is
based on the BID prices of the Bonds, the Units are sold initially to the public
at the Public Offering Price based on the OFFERING prices of the Bonds.
 
    Because  the insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the  issuers of Bonds
with respect to  the Bonds in  the Insured  Trusts and with  respect to  insured
Bonds  in Traditional Trusts is effective so long as such Bonds are outstanding,
such insurance will be  taken into account in  determining the bid and  offering
prices  of such  Bonds and therefore  some value attributable  to such insurance
will be included in the value of Units of Trusts that include such Bonds.
 
HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
 
   
Nuveen, in addition to being the Sponsor, is the sole Underwriter of the  Units.
It  is  the  intention  of  the  Sponsor  to  qualify  Units  of  National, Long
Intermediate, Intermediate, Short  Intermediate and Short  Term Trusts for  sale
under  the  laws of  substantially all  of the  states of  the United  States of
America, and Units  of State Trusts  only in the  state for which  the Trust  is
named and selected other states.
    
 
    Promptly following the deposit of Bonds in exchange for Units of the Trusts,
it  is the practice of the Sponsor to place all of the Units as collateral for a
letter or letters of credit from one or more commercial banks under an agreement
to release such Units from time to  time as needed for distribution. Under  such
an  arrangement  the Sponsor  pays  such banks  compensation  based on  the then
current interest  rate. This  is  a normal  warehousing arrangement  during  the
period  of  distribution of  the Units  to public  investors. To  facilitate the
handling of  transactions,  sales of  Units  shall be  limited  to  transactions
involving a minimum of either $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase of
Units.
 
    The  Sponsor plans to allow a discount  to brokers and dealers in connection
with  the  primary  distribution   of  Units  and   also  in  secondary   market
transactions. The primary market discounts are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DISCOUNT PER UNIT
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
                                 NATIONAL    LONG INTER-                  SHORT INTER-
                                AND STATE      MEDIATE     INTERMEDIATE      MEDIATE     SHORT TERM
NUMBER OF UNITS*                  TRUSTS       TRUSTS         TRUSTS         TRUSTS        TRUSTS
- ------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Less than 500.................    $3.20         $2.90          $2.70          $2.00         $1.50
500 but less than 1,000.......     3.20         2.90           2.70           2.00          1.50
1,000 but less than 2,500.....     3.20         2.70           2.50           1.80          1.30
2,500 but less than 5,000.....     3.20         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
5,000 but less than 10,000....     2.50         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
10,000 but less than 25,000...     2.00         2.00           2.00           1.30           .80
25,000 but less than 50,000...     1.75         1.75           1.75           1.30           .60
50,000 or more................     1.75         1.50           1.50           1.00           .60
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint  sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
 dollar basis and  on the  basis of  the number  of Units  purchased, using  the
 equivalent  of 500 Units to  $50,000, 2,500 Units to  $250,000 etc. and will be
 applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The Sponsor currently intends  to maintain a secondary  market for Units  of
each  Trust. See  "MARKET FOR  UNITS." The  amount of  the dealer  concession on
secondary market purchases of Trust Units  through the Sponsor will be  computed
based  upon the value of  the Bonds in the  Trust portfolio, including the sales
charge computed as described in "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE  DETERMINED?",
and  adjusted to reflect the  cash position of the  Trust principal account, and
will vary with the size of the purchase as shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                        $50,000   $100,000   $250,000   $500,000   $1,000,000  $2,500,000
                              UNDER       TO         TO         TO         TO          TO          TO      $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY            $50,000    $99,999   $249,999   $499,999   $999,999   $2,499,999  $4,999,999   OR MORE
- --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Less than 1...............      0          0          0          0          0          0           0           0
1 but less than 2.........    1.00%      .90%       .85%       .80%       .70%        .55%       .467%       .389%
2 but less than 3.........    1.30%      1.20%      1.10%      1.00%      .90%        .73%       .634%       .538%
3 but less than 4.........    1.60%      1.45%      1.35%      1.25%      1.10%       .90%       .781%       .662%
4 but less than 5.........    2.00%      1.85%      1.75%      1.55%      1.40%      1.25%       1.082%      .914%
5 but less than 7.........    2.30%      2.15%      1.95%      1.80%      1.65%      1.50%       1.320%      1.140%
7 but less than 10........    2.60%      2.45%      2.25%      2.10%      1.95%      1.70%       1.496%      1.292%
10 but less than 13.......    3.00%      2.80%      2.60%      2.45%      2.30%      2.00%       1.747%      1.494%
13 but less than 16.......    3.25%      3.15%      3.00%      2.75%      2.50%      2.15%       1.878%      1.606%
16 or more................    3.50%      3.50%      3.40%      3.35%      3.00%      2.50%       2.185%      1.873%
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
  dollar basis and  on the basis  of the  number of Units  purchased, using  the
  equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000, etc., and will be
  applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The  Sponsor reserves the  right to change  the foregoing dealer concessions
from time to time.
 
   
    At the  discretion of  the Sponsor,  volume incentives  can be  earned as  a
marketing  allowance by  dealer firms who  reach cumulative firm  sales or sales
arrangement levels of a specified number of Units of an individual Trust  during
the primary
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
offering  period  as set  forth  in the  table below.  For  firms that  meet the
necessary volume level for a Trust, volume incentives may be given on all trades
involving that Trust originated from or by that firm during the primary offering
period.
    
 
   
Primary Market Volume Incentives
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PER TRUST SALES LEVEL
AVERAGE MATURITY                     DURING THE PRIMARY      VOLUME INCENTIVE
OF TRUST                              OFFERING PERIOD            PER UNIT
- -------------------------------  --------------------------  -----------------
<S>                              <C>                         <C>
Less than 6 years                      At least 5,000 Units      $    0.05
6 but less than 15 years               At least 2,500 Units      $    0.10
15 years or more                       At least 2,500 Units      $    0.20
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    In addition, a volume  incentive of $2.50  per $1,000 of  Units sold can  be
earned by dealer firms as a marketing allowance for secondary market sales of at
least $1 million of Nuveen Unit Trust units per calendar quarter.
    
 
   
    Only sales through the Sponsor qualify for volume incentives and for meeting
minimum  requirements. The  Sponsor reserves the  right to modify  or change the
volume incentive schedule  at any time  and make the  determination as to  which
firms qualify for the marketing allowance and the amount paid.
    
 
   
    Registered  investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who  in  each case  either  charge periodic  fees  for  financial
planning,  investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or  provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive  "wrap  fee"  charge  is imposed,  and  bank  trust  departments
investing  funds  over which  they  exercise exclusive  discretionary investment
authority and  that  are held  in  a  fiduciary, agency,  custodial  or  similar
capacity,  are not entitled to receive any  dealer concession for any sales made
to investors which  qualified as  "Discounted Purchases" during  the primary  or
secondary market. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")
    
 
    Certain  commercial banks are making Units  of the Trusts available to their
customers on  an agency  basis. A  portion of  the sales  charge paid  by  these
customers  is retained by or  remitted to the banks in  the amounts shown in the
above table.  The Glass-Steagall  Act prohibits  banks from  underwriting  Trust
Units;  the Act  does, however, permit  certain agency  transactions and banking
regulators have not indicated that these particular agency transactions are  not
permitted  under the Act. In Texas and  in certain other states, any bank making
Units available must be registered as a broker-dealer under state law.
 
OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS
 
The ownership of  Units is  evidenced by book  entry positions  recorded on  the
books  and records of the Trustee  unless the Unitholder expressly requests that
the purchased Units be evidenced in Certificate form. The Trustee is  authorized
to treat as the owner of Units that person who at the time is registered as such
on  the books of the Trustee. Any  Unitholder who holds a Certificate may change
to book entry ownership by submitting to the Trustee the Certificate along  with
a written request that the Units represented by such Certificate be held in book
entry form. Likewise, a Unitholder who holds Units in book entry form may obtain
a  Certificate for such  Units by written  request to the  Trustee. Units may be
held in denominations of one Unit or any multiple or fraction thereof. Fractions
of Units are computed to three  decimal places. Any Certificates issued will  be
numbered  serially for identification, and are  issued in fully registered form,
transferable only  on the  books of  the Trustee.  Book entry  Unitholders  will
receive a Book Entry Position Confirmation reflecting their ownership.
 
    For  Trusts allowing optional plans  of distribution, Certificates for Units
will bear  an  appropriate notation  on  their  face indicating  which  plan  of
distribution has been selected. When a change is made, the existing Certificates
must  be surrendered to the  Trustee and new Certificates  issued to reflect the
currently effective  plan of  distribution. There  will be  no charge  for  this
service.  Holders of book entry  Units can change their  plan of distribution by
making a written  request to  the Trustee,  which will  issue a  new Book  Entry
Position Confirmation to reflect such change.
 
    Units  are transferable by making  a written request to  the Trustee and, in
the case of Units  evidenced by Certificate(s),  by presenting and  surrendering
such  Certificate(s) to the Trustee, at its  address listed on the back cover of
this Part B  of the Prospectus,  properly endorsed or  accompanied by a  written
instrument  or  instruments  of  transfer.  The  Certificate(s)  should  be sent
registered or  certified  mail  for  the  protection  of  the  Unitholder.  Each
Unitholder  must sign such written request,  and such Certificate(s) or transfer
instrument, exactly as his  name appears on (a)  the face of the  Certificate(s)
representing  the  Units  to be  transferred,  or  (b) the  Book  Entry Position
Confirmation(s) relating to the Units to be transferred. Such signature(s)  must
be guaranteed by a guarantor acceptable to the Trustee. In certain instances the
Trustee  may require  additional documents  such as,  but not  limited to, trust
instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or administrator or
certificates of corporate authority. Mutilated Certificates must be  surrendered
to  the Trustee in order for a replacement Certificate to be issued. Although at
the date hereof no charge is made and none is contemplated, a Unitholder may  be
required  to pay $2.00 to the Trustee  for each Certificate reissued or transfer
of Units requested and to  pay any governmental charge  which may be imposed  in
connection therewith.
 
REPLACEMENT OF LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.
 
    To  obtain a new  Certificate replacing one  that has been  lost, stolen, or
destroyed,  the   Unitholder   must   furnish  the   Trustee   with   sufficient
indemnification   and  pay  such  expenses  as   the  Trustee  may  incur.  This
indemnification must be in the
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
form of  an  Open Penalty  Bond  of Indemnification.  The  premium for  such  an
indemnity  bond may vary, but currently amounts to 1% of the market value of the
Units represented by  the Certificate. In  the case  however, of a  Trust as  to
which  notice of  termination has been  given, the premium  currently amounts to
0.5% of the market value of the Units represented by such Certificate.
 
HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE
 
   
Unitholders may redeem all or a portion  of their Units by (1) making a  written
request  for such redemption (book entry Unitholders may use the redemption form
on the reverse side of their Book Entry Position Confirmation) to the Trustee at
its address  listed  on  the  back  cover of  this  Part  B  of  the  Prospectus
(redemptions  of 1,000 Units or more will require a signature guarantee), (2) in
the case of Units evidenced by a Certificate, by also tendering such Certificate
to the Trustee, duly endorsed or  accompanied by proper instruments of  transfer
with signatures guaranteed as explained above, or provide satisfactory indemnity
required  in  connection with  lost, stolen  or  destroyed Certificates  and (3)
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. Certificates should be  sent
only  by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their being
lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.") No redemption fee  will
be   charged.  A  Unitholder  may  authorize  the  Trustee  to  honor  telephone
instructions for  the  redemption  of  Units held  in  book  entry  form.  Units
represented  by Certificates may  not be redeemed by  telephone. The proceeds of
Units redeemed by telephone will  be sent by check  either to the Unitholder  at
the  address specified on his account or to a financial institution specified by
the Unitholder for credit to the account of the Unitholder. A Unitholder wishing
to  use  this  method  of  redemption  must  complete  a  Telephone   Redemption
Authorization  Form and  furnish the Form  to the  Trustee. Telephone Redemption
Authorization  Forms   can   be   obtained  from   a   Unitholder's   registered
representative  or by calling the  Trustee. Once the completed  Form is on file,
the Trustee will honor telephone  redemption requests by any authorized  person.
The  time a  telephone redemption  request is  received determines  the "date of
tender" as discussed below. The redemption proceeds will be mailed within  three
business days following the telephone redemption request. Only Units held in the
name  of individuals may be redeemed by telephone; accounts registered in broker
name, or  accounts  of  corporations or  fiduciaries  (including  among  others,
trustees,  guardians, executors  and administrators)  may not  use the telephone
redemption privilege.
    
 
   
    On the third business day following the date of tender, the Unitholder  will
be  entitled to receive  in cash for each  Unit tendered an  amount equal to the
Unit Value of  such Trust determined  by the  Trustee, as of  4:00 p.m.  eastern
time,  or as  of any  earlier closing  time on  a day  on which  the Exchange is
scheduled in advance to  close at such  earlier time, on the  date of tender  as
defined  hereafter,  plus  accrued interest  to,  but not  including,  the third
business day after the date of  tender ("Redemption Price"). The price  received
upon  redemption may  be more  or less  than the  amount paid  by the Unitholder
depending on the value of  the Bonds on the  date of tender. Unitholders  should
check  with the Trustee or their broker to determine the Redemption Price before
tendering Units.
    
 
   
    The "date of  tender" is  deemed to  be the date  on which  the request  for
redemption  of Units is received  in proper form by  the Trustee, except that as
regards a redemption request received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any
earlier closing time on a day on  which the Exchange is scheduled in advance  to
close  at such  earlier time, or  on any day  on which the  Exchange is normally
closed, the date of tender  is the next day on  which such Exchange is  normally
open  for trading and such request will be  deemed to have been made on such day
and the redemption  will be effected  at the Redemption  Price computed on  that
day.
    
 
    Accrued  interest paid  on redemption shall  be withdrawn  from the Interest
Account of the  appropriate Trust or,  if the balance  therein is  insufficient,
from  the Principal Account of such Trust.  All other amounts paid on redemption
shall be withdrawn from the Principal Account. The Trustee is empowered to  sell
underlying  Bonds of a  Trust in order  to make funds  available for redemption.
(See "HOW BONDS MAY  BE REMOVED FROM  THE TRUSTS.") Units  so redeemed shall  be
cancelled.  To  the  extent that  Bonds  are sold  from  a Trust,  the  size and
diversity of such Trust will  be reduced. Such sales may  be required at a  time
when  Bonds would not  otherwise be sold  and might result  in lower prices than
might otherwise be realized.
 
   
    The Redemption Price is  determined on the  basis of the  BID prices of  the
Bonds  in each Trust, while  the initial Public Offering  Price of Units will be
determined on the  basis of the  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds as  of 4:00  p.m.
eastern  time on any day on which the  Exchange is normally open for trading, or
as of any earlier closing  time on a day on  which the Exchange is scheduled  in
advance to close at such earlier time, and such determination is made. As of any
given time, the difference between the bid and offering prices of such Bonds may
be  expected to average 1/2% to 2% of  principal amount. In the case of actively
traded Bonds, the difference may be  as little as 1/4 to  1/2 of 1%, and in  the
case of inactively traded Bonds such difference usually will not exceed 3%.
    
 
    The  right  of redemption  may be  suspended and  payment postponed  for any
period during  which  the Securities  and  Exchange Commission  determines  that
trading  in the municipal bond market is restricted or an emergency exists, as a
result  of  which  disposal  or  evaluation  of  the  Bonds  is  not  reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission
may by order permit.
 
    Under  regulations issued by the Internal  Revenue Service, the Trustee will
be required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a Unit
redemption if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unitholder's  tax
identification  number in the manner required by such regulations. Any amount so
withheld is transmitted to the Internal
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
Revenue Service and may be recovered by  the Unitholder only when filing his  or
her  tax return. Under normal circumstances the Trustee obtains the Unitholder's
tax identification number from the selling broker at the time the Certificate or
Book Entry Return  Confirmation is  issued, and this  number is  printed on  the
Certificate or Book Entry Return Confirmation and on distribution statements. If
a  Unitholder's tax identification number does not appear as described above, or
if it is incorrect, the Unitholder  should contact the Trustee before  redeeming
Units  to determine  what action,  if any,  is required  to avoid  this "back-up
withholding."
 
HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR
 
The Trustee will notify the  Sponsor of any tender  of Units for redemption.  If
the  Sponsor's bid in  the secondary market  at that time  equals or exceeds the
Redemption Price it may purchase such Units by notifying the Trustee before  the
close  of business on the  second succeeding business day  and by making payment
therefor to  the  Unitholder not  later  than the  day  on which  payment  would
otherwise have been made by the Trustee. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT
CHARGE.")  The Sponsor's current practice  is to bid at  the Redemption Price in
the secondary market. Units held by the  Sponsor may be tendered to the  Trustee
for redemption as any other Units.
 
HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS
 
Bonds will be removed from a Trust as they mature or are redeemed by the issuers
thereof.  See Part A of  this Prospectus and "RISK  FACTORS" for a discussion of
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
   
    The Indenture also  empowers the Trustee  to sell Bonds  for the purpose  of
redeeming  Units tendered by any Unitholder, and for the payment of expenses for
which income may not be available. Under the Indenture, the Sponsor is obligated
to provide the Trustee with a current list of Bonds in each Trust to be sold  in
such  circumstances. In deciding which Bonds  should be sold the Sponsor intends
to consider, among  other things, such  factors as: (1)  market conditions;  (2)
market  prices  of  the  Bonds;  (3)  the  effect  on  income  distributions  to
Unitholders of the sale of various Bonds; (4) the effect on principal amount  of
underlying  Bonds  per Unit  of the  sale  of various  Bonds; (5)  the financial
condition of the issuers; and (6) the effect of the sale of various Bonds on the
investment character of the Trust. Such sales, if required, could result in  the
sale  of Bonds by the Trustee at prices less than original cost to the Trust. To
the extent Bonds are sold, the size and diversity of such Trust will be reduced.
    
 
    In addition, the  Sponsor is empowered  to direct the  Trustee to  liquidate
Bonds upon the happening of certain other events, such as default in the payment
of principal and/or interest, an action of the issuer that will adversely affect
its  ability to continue payment of the  principal of and interest on its Bonds,
or an  adverse  change  in  market, revenue  or  credit  factors  affecting  the
investment  character of the Bonds. If a default in the payment of the principal
of and/or interest  on any  of the  Bonds occurs, and  if the  Sponsor fails  to
instruct  the Trustee whether to  sell or continue to  hold such Bonds within 30
days after  notification by  the Trustee  to the  Sponsor of  such default,  the
Indenture  provides that  the Trustee shall  liquidate said  Bonds forthwith and
shall not be liable for  any loss so incurred. The  Sponsor may also direct  the
Trustee  to liquidate Bonds in a Trust if the Bonds in the Trust are the subject
of an advanced refunding,  generally considered to be  when refunding bonds  are
issued and the proceeds thereof are deposited in irrevocable trust to retire the
refunded Bonds on their redemption date.
 
    Except  as stated in "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of
substitution of Replacement  Bonds for  Failed Bonds, and  except for  refunding
securities that may be exchanged for Bonds under certain conditions specified in
the  Indenture, the Indenture does not permit  either the Sponsor or the Trustee
to acquire or deposit bonds either in  addition to, or in substitution for,  any
of the Bonds initially deposited in a Trust.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
The  Trustee and its address are stated on the  back cover of this Part B of the
Prospectus. The Trustee is subject to supervision and examination by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation,  the Board  of Governors of  the Federal  Reserve
System and either the Comptroller of the Currency or state banking authorities.
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES OF SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE
 
    The  Sponsor and the Trustee shall be  under no liability to Unitholders for
taking any action or for  refraining from any action  in good faith pursuant  to
the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
negligence,  lack of good faith or willful  misconduct. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the Trustee of
any of the Bonds. In the  event of the failure of  the Sponsor to act under  the
Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall not be liable for any action
taken by it in good faith under the Indenture.
 
    The  Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental charges
imposed upon or in respect of the Bonds or upon the interest thereon or upon  it
as  Trustee under  the Indenture or  upon or in  respect of any  Trust which the
Trustee may be required  to pay under  any present or future  law of the  United
States  of  America or  of any  other taxing  authority having  jurisdiction. In
addition,  the  Indenture  contains  other  customary  provisions  limiting  the
liability of the Trustee.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS
 
    The  Trustee or any successor trustee  may resign by executing an instrument
of resignation in writing and filing same with the Sponsor and mailing a copy of
a notice of resignation to all  Unitholders then of record. Upon receiving  such
notice,  the Sponsor is required to promptly appoint a successor trustee. If the
Trustee becomes incapable of acting or is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a
receiver or other public officer shall  take charge of its property or  affairs,
the  Sponsor  may  remove  the  Trustee  and  appoint  a  successor  by  written
instrument. The resignation  or removal of  a trustee and  the appointment of  a
successor trustee shall become effective only when the successor trustee accepts
its appointment as such. Any successor trustee shall be a corporation authorized
to  exercise  corporate  trust  powers, having  capital,  surplus  and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000. Any corporation into which a trustee may be
merged or with which it may  be consolidated, or any corporation resulting  from
any  merger or consolidation to  which a trustee shall be  a party, shall be the
successor trustee.
 
    If upon resignation  of a trustee  no successor has  been appointed and  has
accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee
may  apply  to  a court  of  competent  jurisdiction for  the  appointment  of a
successor.
 
    If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture, and
no express  provision is  made for  action by  the Trustee  in such  event,  the
Trustee  may, in addition to its other  powers under the Indenture (1) appoint a
successor sponsor or (2) terminate the Indenture and liquidate the Trusts.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
   
Since our founding  in 1898, Nuveen  has been synonymous  with investments  that
withstand  the  test of  time.  Today, we  offer  a broad  range  of investments
designed for mature investors whose portfolio  is the principal source of  their
ongoing  financial  security. More  than  1.3 million  investors  have entrusted
Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they currently enjoy.
    
 
   
    A value investing  approach--purchasing securities of  strong companies  and
communities  that represent good long-term value--is the cornerstone of Nuveen's
investment philosophy.  It is  a  careful, long-term  strategy that  offers  the
potential for attractive returns with moderated risk. Successful value investing
begins  with in-depth research and a discerning eye for marketplace opportunity.
Nuveen's team of investment professionals is backed by the discipline, resources
and expertise of almost a century of investment experience, including one of the
most recognized research departments in the industry.
    
 
   
    To meet  the unique  circumstances and  financial planning  needs of  mature
investors,  Nuveen  offers  a  wide array  of  taxable  and  tax-free investment
products--including  equity  and   fixed-income  mutual   funds,  unit   trusts,
exchange-traded  funds, customized asset management services and cash management
products. Nuveen is a subsidiary of The  John Nuveen Company which, in turn,  is
approximately  78% owned by the St. Paul  Companies, Inc. ("ST. PAUL"). St. Paul
is located  in St.  Paul,  Minnesota and  is  principally engaged  in  providing
property-liability  insurance through  subsidiaries. Nuveen  is a  member of the
National Association of  Securities Dealers,  Inc. and  the Securities  Industry
Association  and has  its principal office  located in Chicago  (333 West Wacker
Drive). Nuveen maintains 11 regional offices.
    
 
   
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment in  the Trusts  to  reach their  investment  goals, the  Sponsor  may
advertise and create specific investment programs and systems. For example, such
activities may include presenting information on how to use an investment in the
Trusts, alone or in combination with an investment in other mutual funds or unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nuveen, to accumulate assets for future education
needs  or periodic payments such as  insurance premiums. The Trusts' sponsor may
produce software or  additional sales  literature to promote  the advantages  of
using the Trusts to meet these and other specific investor needs.
    
 
OTHER INFORMATION
AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE
 
    The  Indenture may  be amended  by the Trustee  and the  Sponsor without the
consent of any of  the Unitholders (1)  to cure any ambiguity  or to correct  or
supplement  any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent, or (2)
to make such  other provisions as  shall not adversely  affect the  Unitholders,
provided,  however, that the Indenture may not be amended to increase the number
of Units in any Trust or to permit the deposit or acquisition of bonds either in
addition to, or in substitution for any of the Bonds initially deposited in  any
Trust except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of
substitution  of Replacement Bonds and except  for the substitution of refunding
bonds under certain circumstances. The  Trustee shall advise the Unitholders  of
any amendment promptly after execution thereof.
 
TERMINATION OF INDENTURE
 
    Each  Trust may be liquidated at any time  by written consent of 100% of the
Unitholders or by  the Trustee when  the value of  such Trust, as  shown by  any
evaluation,  is less than 20% of the original principal amount of such Trust and
will be  liquidated  by  the Trustee  in  the  event that  Units  not  yet  sold
aggregating  more  than 60%  of the  Units originally  created are  tendered for
redemption by the Sponsor thereby reducing the  net worth of such Trust to  less
than  40%  of the  principal amount  of  the Bonds  originally deposited  in the
portfolio. (See "Essential Information" appearing in Part A of this Prospectus.)
The sale of Bonds from the Trusts upon termination may result in realization  of
a  lesser amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required
at such time. For this reason, among others, the amount realized by a Unitholder
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
upon termination  may be  less than  the principal  amount of  Bonds  originally
represented  by the Units held by  such Unitholder. The Indenture will terminate
upon the redemption, sale or other disposition of the last Bond held thereunder,
but in no event shall it continue beyond the end of the calendar year  preceding
the  fiftieth anniversary of its execution for National and State Trusts, beyond
the end  of  the  calendar  year preceding  the  twentieth  anniversary  of  its
execution  for Long Intermediate,  and Intermediate Trusts or  beyond the end of
the calendar year  preceding the tenth  anniversary of its  execution for  Short
Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.
 
   
    Written  notice of  any termination  specifying the  time or  times at which
Unitholders may surrender their Certificates, if any, for cancellation shall  be
given  by  the  Trustee to  each  Unitholder  at the  address  appearing  on the
registration books of  a Trust maintained  by the Trustee.  Within a  reasonable
time  thereafter, the Trustee shall  liquidate any Bonds in  the Trust then held
and shall deduct from  the assets of  the Trust any  accrued costs, expenses  or
indemnities  provided  by  the  Indenture which  are  allocable  to  such Trust,
including estimated compensation of the Trustee and costs of liquidation and any
amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes  or
other  governmental charges. The Trustee shall then distribute to Unitholders of
such Trust their pro  rata share of  the balance of  the Interest and  Principal
Accounts.  With such  distribution, the Unitholders  shall be  furnished a final
distribution  statement,  in   substantially  the  same   form  as  the   annual
distribution statement, of the amount distributable. At such time as the Trustee
in  its sole discretion shall determine that  any amounts held in reserve are no
longer necessary, it shall make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the  same
manner.
    
 
LEGAL OPINION
 
    The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Special counsel for the
Trusts for respective state tax matters are named in "Tax Status" for each Trust
appearing  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus.  Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn,  2 Wall
Street, New York,  New York 10005,  has acted  as counsel for  the Trustee  with
respect  to the Series, and, in the absence of a New York Trust from the Series,
as special New York tax counsel for the Series.
 
AUDITORS
 
    The "Statement  of  Condition" and  "Schedule  of Investments"  at  Date  of
Deposit  included  in Part  A of  this  Prospectus have  been audited  by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public  accountants, as indicated  in their report  in
Part  A  of  this Prospectus,  and  are  included herein  in  reliance  upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
    Upon written or telephonic request to the Trustee, investors will receive at
no cost to  the investor supplemental  information about this  Trust, which  has
been  filed  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  and is  intended to
supplement information contained in  Part A and Part  B of this Prospectus.  The
supplemental  information includes more  detailed information concerning certain
of the Bonds included in the Trusts contained in the applicable Series and  more
specific   risk  information  concerning  the   individual  state  Trusts.  This
supplement also includes  additional general information  about the Sponsor  and
the Trusts.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                          NUVEEN  Tax-Free Unit Trusts
 
   
                              PROSPECTUS -- PART B
                                  JULY 8, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                       <S>        <C>
                 SPONSOR             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                     333 West Wacker Drive
                                     Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                                     Telephone: 312.917.7700
 
                                     Swiss Bank Tower
                                     10 East 50th Street
                                     New York, NY 10022
                                     212.207.2000
 
                 TRUSTEE             The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                     4 New York Plaza
                                     New York, NY 10004-2413
                                     800.257.8787
 
           LEGAL COUNSEL             Chapman and Cutler
              TO SPONSOR             111 West Monroe Street
                                     Chicago, IL 60603
 
             INDEPENDENT             Arthur Andersen LLP
                  PUBLIC             33 West Monroe Street
             ACCOUNTANTS             Chicago, IL 60603
          FOR THE TRUSTS
</TABLE>
    
 
                                 --------------
 
           Except  as to  statements made herein  furnished by  the Trustee, the
Trustee  has  assumed   no  responsibility  for   the  accuracy,  adequacy   and
completeness of the information contained in this Prospectus.
 
           This  Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the registration  statement  and  exhibits  relating  thereto,  filed  with  the
Securities  and Exchange Commission, Washington,  D.C., under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to which reference is made.
 
   
           No  person  is  authorized  to  give  any  information  or  to   make
representations  not contained in this Prospectus or in supplemental information
or  sales  literature  prepared   by  the  Sponsor,   and  any  information   or
representation  not contained  therein must  not be  relied upon  as having been
authorized by either  the Trusts, the  Trustee or the  Sponsor. This  Prospectus
does  not constitute  an offer to  sell, or a  solicitation of an  offer to buy,
securities in any  State to any  person to whom  it is not  lawful to make  such
offer  in such state. The Trusts are  registered as Unit Investment Trusts under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Such registration does not imply
that the  Trusts  or  any  of  their  Units  have  been  guaranteed,  sponsored,
recommended  or approved by the United States  or any State or agency or officer
thereof.
    

<PAGE>
                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS
 
                 ---------------------------------------------
 
                             INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT
 
                               NUVEEN SERIES 949
 
               This   Information   Supplement   provides  additional
           information concerning the structure, operations and risks
           of  a  Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit  Trust  not  found  in   the
           prospectuses  for the Trusts.  This Information Supplement
           is not  a  prospectus and  does  not include  all  of  the
           information  that a  prospective investor  should consider
           before investing in a  Trust. This Information  Supplement
           should  be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the
           Trust  in  which  an  investor  is  considering  investing
           ("Prospectus").  Copies of the  Prospectus can be obtained
           by calling or writing the Trustee at the telephone  number
           and  address indicated in  Part B of  the Prospectus. This
           Information Supplement  has  been  created  to  supplement
           information contained in the Prospectus.
 
               This  Information  Supplement is  dated July  8, 1997.
           Capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 ----------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE..............................................           2
  Health Care Facility Revenue Obligations...........................           2
  Single Family and Multi-Family Housing Revenue Obligations.........           2
  Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds...............................           2
  Congregate Care Revenue Obligations................................           3
  Federally Enhanced Obligations.....................................           3
  Public Housing Authority Revenue Obligations.......................           3
  Industrial Revenue Obligations.....................................           3
  Power Revenue Obligations..........................................           4
  Utility Obligations................................................           4
  Transportation Bonds...............................................           4
  Water and/or Sewerage Revenue Obligations..........................           4
  Resource Recovery Revenue Obligations..............................           5
  Education Revenue Obligations......................................           5
  Bridge and Tollroad Revenue Obligations............................           5
  Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue Bonds..............................           5
  Municipal Lease Revenue Bonds......................................           5
  Special Obligation to Crossover....................................           5
  Civic Organization Obligations.....................................           5
  Original Issue Discount Bonds and Stripped Obligations.............           5
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?...................................           6
ACCUMULATION PLAN....................................................           8
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR........................................          10
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS...............................................          11
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE...................................          13
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME...............................          14
Appendix A -- Ohio Disclosure........................................         A-1
Appendix B -- Pennsylvania Disclosure................................         B-1
</TABLE>
    
 
<PAGE>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE
 
    An investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding  of
the  risks that such an investment may  entail. These include the ability of the
issuer, or,  if  applicable,  an  insurer, to  make  payments  of  interest  and
principal  when due, the  effects of changes in  interest rates generally, early
call provisions and the potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As
set forth in the portfolio  summaries in Part A  of this Prospectus, the  Trusts
may  contain or be concentrated  in one or more of  the types of bonds discussed
below.  The  following  paragraphs  discuss  certain  circumstances  which   may
adversely  affect the  ability of issuers  of Bonds  held in the  portfolio of a
Trust to make payment of principal  and interest thereon or which may  adversely
affect  the  ratings of  such Bonds;  with respect  to Insured  Trusts, however,
because of the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds,
such changes should not adversely affect an Insured Trust's receipt of principal
and interest, the Standard & Poor's AAA  or Moody's Aaa ratings of the Bonds  in
the Insured Trust portfolio, or the Standard & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of
each  such Insured Trust. For economic  risks specific to the individual Trusts,
see "Risk Factors" for each Trust.
 
   
    HEALTH CARE FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust  may
be  obligations of issuers whose revenues  are derived from services provided by
hospitals or other health care  facilities, including nursing homes. Ratings  of
bonds  issued  for health  care facilities  are  sometimes based  on feasibility
studies that contain projections of  occupancy levels, revenues and expenses.  A
facility's  gross  receipts and  net income  available for  debt service  may be
affected by future events and  conditions including, among other things,  demand
for  services, the ability of the facility  to provide the services required, an
increasing shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in nursing  salaries,
physicians'  confidence  in  the  facility,  management  capabilities,  economic
developments in  the service  area, competition  from other  similar  providers,
efforts  by  insurers  and  governmental agencies  to  limit  rates, legislation
establishing state rate-setting agencies,  expenses, government regulation,  the
cost  and possible unavailability of  malpractice insurance, and the termination
or restriction of governmental  financial assistance, including that  associated
with  Medicare, Medicaid and other similar  third party payor programs. Medicare
reimbursements are currently calculated on a prospective basis and are not based
on a provider's actual costs. Such method of reimbursement may adversely  affect
reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities for services provided under the
Medicare  program and thereby may have an  adverse effect on the ability of such
institutions to satisfy  debt service requirements.  In the event  of a  default
upon  a bond  secured by hospital  facilities, the limited  alternative uses for
such facilities may result  in the recovery upon  such collateral not  providing
sufficient funds to fully repay the bonds.
    
 
    Certain  hospital  bonds  provide for  redemption  at par  upon  the damage,
destruction or  condemnation of  the  hospital facilities  or in  other  special
circumstances.
 
   
    SINGLE  FAMILY AND  MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS.   Some of the
Bonds in a  Trust may  be obligations of  issuers whose  revenues are  primarily
derived  from mortgage loans to  housing projects for the  elderly or for low to
moderate income families. Such issues  are generally characterized by  mandatory
redemption  at par or,  in the case  of original issue  discount bonds, accreted
value in the event  of economic defaults and  in the event of  a failure of  the
operator  of a project to  comply with certain covenants  as to the operation of
the project.  The failure  of such  operator to  comply with  certain  covenants
related  to the tax-exempt status  of interest on the  Bonds, such as provisions
requiring that a specified percentage of units be rented or available for rental
to low or  moderate income families,  potentially could cause  interest on  such
Bonds  to be subject to Federal income taxation from the date of issuance of the
Bonds. The  ability  of such  issuers  to make  debt  service payments  will  be
affected  by events and conditions affecting financed projects, including, among
other things, the achievement and maintenance of sufficient occupancy levels and
adequate rental income,  employment and  income conditions  prevailing in  local
labor  markets, increases in taxes, utility  costs and other operating expenses,
the managerial ability  of project  managers, changes in  laws and  governmental
regulations,  the  appropriation of  subsidies, and  social and  economic trends
affecting the localities in  which the projects are  located. Occupancy of  such
housing  projects  may be  adversely  affected by  high  rent levels  and income
limitations imposed under Federal and state programs.
    
 
    SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS.  Some  of the Bonds in a Trust may  be
single  family  mortgage revenue  bonds,  which are  issued  for the  purpose of
acquiring from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages  on
residences located within the issuer's boundaries and owned by persons of low or
moderate  income. Mortgage loans  are generally partially  or completely prepaid
prior to  their final  maturities as  a result  of events  such as  sale of  the
mortgaged  premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these bonds
are subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from  such
prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such bonds will probably
be  redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to their ordinary
call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result
from the  failure of  the originating  financial institutions  to make  mortgage
loans in sufficient amounts within a specified time period. The redemption price
of  such issues  may be  more or  less than  the offering  price of  such bonds.
Additionally, unusually high rates of  default on the underlying mortgage  loans
may  reduce revenues available  for the payment  of principal of  or interest on
such mortgage revenue bonds. Single  family mortgage revenue bonds issued  after
December    31,    1980    were    issued   under    Section    103A    of   the
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
Internal Revenue  Code of  1954, as  amended,  or Section  143 of  the  Internal
Revenue  Code of 1986,  which Sections contain  certain requirements relating to
the use of the proceeds of such bonds in order for the interest on such bonds to
retain its  tax-exempt  status.  In each  case,  the  issuer of  the  bonds  has
covenanted  to  comply with  applicable requirements  and  bond counsel  to such
issuer has issued  an opinion  that the  interest on  the bonds  is exempt  from
Federal  income  tax  under  existing  laws and  regulations.  There  can  be no
assurance that such continuing  requirements will be  satisfied; the failure  to
meet  such  requirements could  cause interest  on  the Bonds  to be  subject to
Federal income taxation, possibly from the date of issuance of the Bonds.
 
   
    CONGREGATE CARE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.__Some  of the Bonds in  a Trust may  be
obligations  of  issuers  whose revenues  are  primarily derived  from  loans to
finance the  construction  and/or  acquisition of  congregate  care  facilities,
including  retirement  facilities and  nursing  care units.  A  facility's gross
receipts and net  income available for  debt service may  be affected by  future
events  and conditions, including, among other  things, demand for services, the
ability  of  the   facility  to  provide   the  services  required,   management
capabilities,  an increasing shortage of qualified  nurses or a dramatic rise in
nursing salaries, economic  developments in the  service area, competition  from
other  similar providers, efforts by insurers and governmental agencies to limit
rates,  legislation   establishing   state  rate-setting   agencies,   expenses,
government  regulation  and  the  termination  or  restriction  of  governmental
financial assistance.
    
   
    FEDERALLY ENHANCED  OBLIGATIONS.   Some of  the mortgages  which secure  the
various  health care or housing projects which underlie the previously discussed
Health Care Facility  Revenue, Single Family  and Multi-Family Housing  Revenue,
Single  Family Mortgage  Revenue Obligations  and Congregate  Care Revenue Bonds
(the  "Obligations")  in  a  Trust  may  be  insured  by  the  Federal   Housing
Administration  ("FHA"). Under  FHA regulations, the  maximum insurable mortgage
amount cannot exceed 90% of  the FHA's estimated value  of the project. The  FHA
mortgage  insurance does  not constitute  a guarantee  of timely  payment of the
principal of  and interest  on the  Obligations. Payment  of mortgage  insurance
benefits may be (1) less than the principal amount of Obligations outstanding or
(2)  delayed if  disputes arise as  to the amount  of the payment  or if certain
notices are  not  given  to the  FHA  within  the prescribed  time  periods.  In
addition,  some  of  the  previously discussed  Obligations  may  be  secured by
mortgage-backed certificates  guaranteed  by the  Government  National  Mortgage
Association  ("GNMA"), a  wholly owned  corporate instrumentality  of the United
States, and/or  the  Federal  National Mortgage  Association  ("Fannie  Mae")  a
federally  chartered  and  stockholder-owed  corporation.  GNMA  and  Fannie Mae
guarantee timely  payment  of  principal and  interest  on  the  mortgage-backed
certificates,  even where the  underlying mortgage payments  are not made. While
such mortgage-backed  certificates  are  often  pledged  to  secure  payment  of
principal  and  interest  on the  Obligations,  timely payment  of  interest and
principal on the Obligations is not insured or guaranteed by the United  States,
GNMA,  Fannie Mae or any other  governmental agency or instrumentality. The GNMA
mortgage-backed certificates  constitute  a  general obligation  of  the  United
States  backed by  its full  faith and  credit. The  obligations of  Fannie Mae,
including its obligations under the  Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities,  are
obligations solely of Fannie Mae and are not backed by, or entitled to, the full
faith and credit of the United States.
    
 
   
    PUBLIC  HOUSING AUTHORITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.__Some of the Bonds in a Trust
may be obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from loans to
finance public  housing projects.  These  bonds are  guaranteed by  the  federal
Department   of  Housing  and  Urban  Development.  Such  issues  are  generally
characterized by mandatory redemption at par  or, in the case of original  issue
discount bonds, accreted value in the event of economic defaults. The ability of
such  issuers  to make  debt service  payments  will be  affected by  events and
conditions affecting  financed  projects,  including, among  other  things,  the
achievement  and  maintenance  of sufficient  occupancy  levels,  employment and
income conditions prevailing in local labor markets, increases in taxes, utility
costs  and  other   operating  expenses,  changes   in  laws  and   governmental
regulations,  and social and  economic trends affecting  the localities in which
the projects are  located. In addition,  the federal Department  of Housing  and
Urban  Development may impose  regulations and/or limitations  which may have an
adverse impact on the Bonds in a Trust.
    
   
    INDUSTRIAL REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the Bonds  in a  Trust may  be
industrial  revenue bonds  ("IRBs"), which  are tax-exempt  securities issued by
states, municipalities, public  authorities or similar  entities to finance  the
cost  of acquiring, constructing or improving various industrial projects. These
projects are usually operated by corporate entities. Issuers are obligated  only
to  pay amounts due on the IRBs to  the extent that funds are available from the
unexpended proceeds of the IRBs or receipts  or revenues of the issuer under  an
arrangement  between the  issuer and  the corporate  operator of  a project. The
arrangement may  be  in  the  form  of  a  lease,  installment  sale  agreement,
conditional  sale agreement or loan agreement, but  in each case the payments to
the issuer are designed to be sufficient to meet the payments of amounts due  on
the  IRBs. Regardless of the structure, payment of IRBs is solely dependent upon
the  creditworthiness  of  the  corporate  operator  of  the  project  and,   if
applicable,  corporate  guarantor.  Corporate  operators  or  guarantors  may be
affected by many factors which may have an adverse impact on the credit  quality
of the particular company or industry. These include cyclicality of revenues and
earnings,  regulatory and environmental  restrictions, litigation resulting from
accidents  or  environmentally-caused   illnesses,  extensive  competition   and
financial  deterioration resulting from a  corporate restructuring pursuant to a
leveraged  buy-out,   takeover   or   otherwise.  Such   a   restructuring   may
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
result  in the operator of a project becoming highly leveraged which may have an
impact on such operator's creditworthiness which  in turn would have an  adverse
impact on the rating and/or market value of such Bonds. Further, the possibility
of  such  a restructuring  may  have an  adverse impact  on  the market  for and
consequently the value of  such Bonds, even though  no actual takeover or  other
action  is ever contemplated or effected. The IRBs  in a Trust may be subject to
special or extraordinary redemption provisions which may provide for  redemption
at  par or, in  the case of  original issue discount  bonds, accreted value. The
Sponsor cannot predict the causes or likelihood  of the redemption of IRBs in  a
Trust prior to the stated maturity of such Bonds.
 
   
    POWER  REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations
of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from pollution control bonds  as
well  as the sale of electric energy and  oil and gas. Some of these obligations
are backed by the credit of an investor owned utility (IOU). The problems  faced
by  such issuers  include the  difficulty in  obtaining approval  for timely and
adequate rate  increases from  the applicable  public utility  commissions,  the
difficulty  of  financing  large construction  programs,  increased competition,
reductions in estimates of future demand for electricity in certain areas of the
country,  the  limitations  on  operations   and  increased  costs  and   delays
attributable  to  environmental considerations,  the  difficulty of  the capital
market in absorbing utility debt, the difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable
prices and the  effect of  energy conservation. All  of such  issuers have  been
experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees. In addition, Federal,
state  and  municipal  governmental authorities  may  from time  to  time review
existing,  and   impose  additional,   regulations  governing   the   licensing,
construction  and operation of nuclear power  plants, which may adversely affect
the ability of the issuers of certain of  the Bonds in a Trust to make  payments
of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.
    
 
   
    UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS.__Some of  the Bonds in  a Trust may  be obligations of
issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from the sale of natural gas or the
combined net revenue  of two or  more municipal utility  systems operating as  a
single  entity. The  problems faced  by such  issuers include  the difficulty in
obtaining approval for timely  and adequate rate  increases from the  applicable
public  utility  commissions,  the difficulty  of  financing  large construction
programs, increased competition, reductions in  estimates of future demands  for
natural  gas in certain areas of the  country, the limitations on operations and
increased costs  and delays  attributable to  environmental considerations,  the
difficulty  of the capital  market in absorbing utility  debt, the difficulty in
obtaining fuel at reasonable  prices and the effect  of energy conservation.  In
addition, Federal, state and municipal governmental authorities may from time to
time   review  existing,  and  impose   additional,  regulations  governing  the
licensing, construction  and  operation  of  nuclear  power  plants,  which  may
adversely  affect the ability of the issuers of  certain of the Bonds in a Trust
to make payments of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.
    
   
    TRANSPORTATION BONDS.  Some of  the Bonds in a  Trust may be obligations  of
issuers  which  are  payable  from  and secured  by  revenues  derived  from the
ownership and operation of airports, public transit systems and ports. The major
portion of an airport's  gross operating income is  generally derived from  fees
received  from  airlines  pursuant to  use  agreements which  consist  of annual
payments for airport use, occupancy of certain terminal space, service fees  and
leases. Airport operating income may therefore be affected by the ability of the
airlines  to meet their obligations under  the use agreements. The air transport
industry is experiencing significant variations in earnings and traffic, due  to
increased  competition, excess capacity,  increased costs, deregulation, traffic
constraints and  other factors,  and several  airlines are  experiencing  severe
financial  difficulties. In particular, facilities with use agreements involving
airlines experiencing financial difficulty may experience a reduction in revenue
due to the  possible inability  of these airlines  to meet  their use  agreement
obligations  because of such financial difficulties and possible bankruptcy. The
Sponsor cannot predict what effect these industry conditions may have on airport
revenues which  are dependent  for payment  on the  financial condition  of  the
airlines  and their  usage of  the particular  airport facility.  Bonds that are
secured primarily by the revenue collected by a public transit system  typically
are  additionally secured  by a  pledge of sales  tax receipts  collected at the
state or local  level, or  of other governmental  financial assistance.  Transit
system net revenues will be affected by variations in utilization, which in turn
may  be affected by the degree  of local governmental subsidization, demographic
and population shifts, and competition  from other forms of transportation;  and
by  increased  costs,  including  costs  resulting  from  previous  deferrals of
maintenance. Port authorities derive their revenues primarily from fees  imposed
on  ships using the facilities.  The rate of utilization  of such facilities may
fluctuate depending on the local economy and on competition from competing forms
of transportation such as air, rail and trucks.
    
 
   
    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of  issuers whose  revenues are derived  from the  sale of  water
and/or  sewerage services. Such Bonds are  generally payable from user fees. The
problems of such issuers include the ability to obtain timely and adequate  rate
increases,  population decline resulting in  decreased user fees, the difficulty
of financing  large construction  programs, the  limitations on  operations  and
increased  costs and  delays attributable  to environmental  considerations, the
increasing difficulty of obtaining or  discovering new supplies of fresh  water,
the  effect  of  conservation  programs and  the  impact  of  "no-growth" zoning
ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems
in varying degrees.
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
   
    RESOURCE RECOVERY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.__Some of the Bonds in a Trust may  be
obligations  of issuers whose revenues are derived  from the sale of sewerage or
solid waste disposal services. Such bonds are generally payable from user  fees.
The  problems of such issuers include the  ability to obtain timely and adequate
rate increases,  population  decline  resulting  in  decreased  user  fees,  the
difficulty   of  financing  large  construction  programs,  the  limitations  on
operations  and  increased  costs  and  delays  attributable  to   environmental
considerations,   the  effect  of  conservation   programs  and  the  impact  of
"no-growth" zoning  ordinances.  All  of such  issuers  have  been  experiencing
certain of these problems in varying degrees.
    
   
    EDUCATION  REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS.   Some  of  the  Bonds in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of issuers which are, or which govern the operation of, colleges and
universities and  whose  revenues are  derived  mainly from  tuition,  dormitory
revenues,  grants and endowments.  General problems of  such issuers include the
prospect of a declining percentage of the population consisting of "college" age
individuals, possible inability to raise tuitions and fees sufficiently to cover
increased operating  costs,  the uncertainty  of  continued receipt  of  Federal
grants  and state funding,  and government legislation  or regulations which may
adversely affect the revenues or costs of such issuers. All of such issuers have
been experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees.
    
 
   
    BRIDGE AND TOLLROAD REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the Bonds in a Trust  may
be  obligations  of issuers  which derive  their payments  from bridge,  road or
tunnel toll revenues. The revenues of such an issuer could be adversely affected
by competition from toll-free vehicular bridges and roads and alternative  modes
of transportation. Such revenues could also be adversely affected by a reduction
in  the availability of fuel to motorists  or significant increases in the costs
thereof. Specifically, governmental regulations restricting the use of  vehicles
in  the New  York City  metropolitan area may  adversely affect  revenues of the
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
    
 
   
    DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may  be
obligations of issuers which are payable from and secured by tax revenues from a
designated  source, which revenues are pledged  to secure the bonds. The various
types of  Bonds described  below differ  in structure  and with  respect to  the
rights of the bondholders to the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax
supported  Bond has distinct risks, only some  of which are set forth below. One
type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax  received
on  either real property or on  sales within a specifically defined geographical
area; such  tax  generally will  not  provide bondholders  with  a lien  on  the
underlying property or revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is
secured  by a special tax levied on  real property within a defined geographical
area in such  a manner  that the tax  is levied  on those who  benefit from  the
project;  such bonds  typically provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying
property for unpaid taxes. A third  type of dedicated-tax supported Bond may  be
secured by a tax levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of commodities
or  upon the license to pursue  certain occupations or upon corporate privileges
within a taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types of Bonds, the ability  of
the  designated revenues to satisfy the  interest and principal payments on such
bonds may be affected by changes in the local economy, the financial success  of
the  enterprise  responsible for  the payment  of  the taxes,  the value  of any
property on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in
a timely fashion. Each  of these factors  will have a  different affect on  each
distinct type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
    
 
   
    MUNICIPAL  LEASE  REVENUE  BONDS.   Some  of the  Bonds  in a  Trust  may be
obligations that are secured  by lease payments of  a governmental entity.  Such
payments  are normally  subject to annual  budget appropriations  of the leasing
governmental entity.  A  governmental  entity  that enters  into  such  a  lease
agreement  cannot obligate future governments to  appropriate for and make lease
payments but covenants to take such action as is necessary to include any  lease
payments  due  in  its  budgets  and  to  make  the  appropriations  therefor. A
governmental entity's failure to appropriate for and to make payments under  its
lease obligation could result in insufficient funds available for payment of the
obligations secured thereby.
    
 
   
    SPECIAL OBLIGATION TO CROSSOVER.__Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be issued
with the intention of crossover refunding an outstanding issue at a future date.
These  bonds are  secured to  the crossover  date by  U.S. Government securities
purchased with the  proceeds of  the refunding bonds.  The revenues  of such  an
issuer  could be adversely affected by  problems associated with the outstanding
issue, economic, social and environmental  policies and conditions that are  not
within  the  control of  the issuer  and  governmental policies  and regulations
affecting the issuer.
    
   
    CIVIC ORGANIZATION  OBLIGATIONS.__Some  of  the  Bonds in  a  Trust  may  be
obligations  of  issuers whose  revenues are  derived from  the pledge  of civic
organizations, including  their  assets.  The problems  faced  by  such  issuers
include  the ability  to collect  pledges made,  the unpredictable  nature of an
organization's  composition  and  participation,   the  quality  and  skill   of
management,  increased costs and delays attributable to organizations, expenses,
and legislation regarding certain organizational purposes.
    
    ORIGINAL ISSUE  DISCOUNT BONDS  AND STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS.   Certain of  the
Bonds  in a Trust may be original  issue discount bonds. These Bonds were issued
with nominal  interest rates  less than  the rates  then offered  by  comparable
securities  and as a consequence  were originally sold at  a discount from their
face, or par, values. This original  issue discount, the difference between  the
initial  purchase price and face value, is deemed under current law to accrue on
a
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
daily basis and the accrued portion is treated as tax-exempt interest income for
federal income tax purposes.  On sale or redemption,  gain, if any, realized  in
excess  of the  earned portion  of original  issue discount  will be  taxable as
capital gain. See "What is the Tax Status of Unitholders". The current value  of
an original issue discount bond reflects the present value of its face amount at
maturity. In a stable interest rate environment, the market value of an original
issue  discount bond would  tend to increase  more slowly in  early years and in
greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain of the original issue discount bonds  in a Trust may be zero  coupon
bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest;
the  buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount
of the bond at its maturity. The effect  of owning a zero coupon bond is that  a
fixed  yield is earned not only on  the original investment but also, in effect,
on all  discount  earned  during  the life  of  the  obligation.  This  implicit
reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest  the income on such obligation at a rate as high as the implicit yield,
but at the same time also eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at  higher
rates  in  the  future.  For  this reason,  zero  coupon  bonds  are  subject to
substantially greater  price  fluctuations  during periods  of  changing  market
interest  rates  than are  securities of  comparable  quality that  pay interest
currently.
 
    Original issue discount bonds, including  zero coupon bonds, may be  subject
to  redemption at prices  based on the  issue price plus  the amount of original
issue  discount  accreted  to  redemption   (the  "accreted  value")  plus,   if
applicable,  some premium.  Pursuant to such  call provisions  an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than  its
face  value. See the  "Schedules of Investments" for  more information about the
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be Stripped Obligations, which represent
evidences of  ownership with  respect to  either the  principal amount  of or  a
payment  of interest on a tax-exempt  obligation. An obligation is "stripped" by
depositing it with  a custodian, which  then effects a  separation in  ownership
between  the bond and any interest payment which has not yet become payable, and
issues evidences of ownership with respect to such constituent parts. A Stripped
Obligation therefore has economic characteristics similar to zero coupon  bonds,
as described above.
 
    Each  Stripped Obligation has  been purchased at a  discount from the amount
payable at maturity. With respect to each Unitholder, the Internal Revenue  Code
treats  as "original issue discount" that portion of the discount which produces
a yield to maturity (as of the date of purchase of the Unitholder's Units) equal
to the lower of the coupon rate of interest on the underlying obligation or  the
yield  to maturity on the basis of  the purchase price of the Unitholder's Units
which is allocable to  each Stripped Obligation.  Original issue discount  which
accrues with respect to a Stripped Obligation will be exempt from Federal income
taxation  to the  same extent  as interest  on the  underlying obligations. (See
"WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the  state
and  local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state  and
local  taxes, interest on original issue  discount bonds or Stripped Obligations
may be deemed  to be received  in the year  of accrual even  though there is  no
corresponding cash payment.
 
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS
 
INSURED  TRUSTS--The Insurer's policy unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees
the full and complete payment required to be made by or on behalf of the  Issuer
to  the Paying Agent or its successor of an amount equal to (i) the principal of
(either at the stated maturity  or by an advancement  of maturity pursuant to  a
mandatory  sinking fund  payment) and  interest on,  the Bonds  as such payments
shall become due  but shall  not be so  paid (except  that in the  event of  any
acceleration  of  the due  date  of such  principal  by reason  of  mandatory or
optional redemption or acceleration resulting  from default or otherwise,  other
than  any advancement of maturity pursuant  to a mandatory sinking fund payment,
the payments guaranteed by  the Insurer's policy shall  be made in such  amounts
and  at such times as  such payments of principal would  have been due had there
not been any such acceleration); and (ii) the reimbursement of any such  payment
which  is subsequently removed from  any owner of the  Bonds pursuant to a final
judgment by a court of competent  jurisdiction that such payment constitutes  an
avoidable  preference  to  such  owner  within  the  meaning  of  any applicable
bankruptcy law (a "Preference").
 
    The Insurer's policy does not insure against loss of any prepayment  premium
which  may at any time be payable with respect to any Bond. The Insurer's policy
does not, under any circumstance, insure against loss relating to: (i)  optional
or  mandatory redemptions (other than  mandatory sinking fund redemptions); (ii)
any payments to be made on an accelerated basis; (iii) payments of the  purchase
price  of Bonds upon tender by an owner thereof; or (iv) any Preference relating
to (i) through (iii)  above. The Insurer's policy  also does not insure  against
nonpayment  of  principal  of  or  interest  on  the  Bonds  resulting  from the
insolvency, negligence or any other act or  omission of the Paying Agent or  any
other paying agent for the Bonds.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
    Upon  receipt of telephonic or  telegraphic notice, such notice subsequently
confirmed in writing by registered or certified mail, or upon receipt of written
notice by registered or certified mail, by the Insurer from the Paying Agent  or
any owner of a Bond the payment of an insured amount for which is then due, that
such  required payment has  not been made, the  Insurer on the  due date of such
payment or within one business day  after receipt of notice of such  nonpayment,
whichever  is later,  will make  a deposit  of funds,  in an  account with State
Street Bank and Trust Company,  N.A., in New York,  New York, or its  successor,
sufficient  for the payment of any such insured amounts which are then due. Upon
presentment and surrender of  such Bonds or presentment  of such other proof  of
ownership  of the Bonds, together with any appropriate instruments of assignment
to evidence the assignment of the insured  amounts due on the Bonds as are  paid
by  the Insurer,  and appropriate instruments  to effect the  appointment of the
Insurer as agent for such owners of the Bonds in any legal proceeding related to
payment of  insured amounts  on the  Bonds,  such instruments  being in  a  form
satisfactory to State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., State Street Bank and
Trust Company, N.A. shall disclose to such owners or the Paying Agent payment of
the  insured amounts due on such Bonds, less any amount held by the Paying Agent
for the payment of such insured amounts and legally available therefor.
 
    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New  York
Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA Inc. is not obligated to pay the debts of or
claims  against the Insurer. The  Insurer is domiciled in  the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and  subject to regulation under the laws of  all
50  states,  the District  of  Columbia, the  Commonwealth  of Puerto  Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,  the Virgin Islands of the  United
States  and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has  laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments  and requiring  the approval of  policy rates and  forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may  be
insured,  the  payment  of dividends  by  the  Insurer, changes  in  control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves  on its  liabilities  in certain  amounts and  for  certain
periods of time.
 
    As  of December  31, 1996  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $4.4 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $3.0 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $1.4  billion  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of  March 31,  1997, the  Insurer had  admitted assets  of $4.5
billion (unaudited), total  liabilities of $3.0  billion (unaudited), and  total
capital  and surplus of  $1.5 billion (unaudited)  determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.
 
    Furthermore,  copies of the Insurer's year end financial statements prepared
in accordance with statutory accounting  practices are available without  charge
from  the Insurer. A  copy of the  Annual Report on  Form 10-K of  MBIA, Inc. is
available from  the  Insurer or  the  Securities and  Exchange  Commission.  The
address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504. The telephone
number of the Insurer is (914) 273-4545.
 
    Moody's  Investors Service  rates the claims  paying ability  of the Insurer
"Aaa".
 
    Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of the McGraw Hill  Companies,
Inc., rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer "AAA".
 
    Fitch  Investors  Service,  L.P., rates  the  claims paying  ability  of the
Insurer "AAA".
 
    Each rating of the  Insurer should be  evaluated independently. The  ratings
reflect   the   respective   rating   agency's   current   assessment   of   the
creditworthiness of the Insurer and its ability to pay claims on its policies of
insurance. Any further explanation as to  the significance of the above  ratings
may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
 
    The  above ratings are not  recommendations to buy, sell  or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may  be subject to  revision or withdrawal at  any time by  the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or withdrawal of any of the above ratings
may  have an adverse effect  on the market price of  the Bonds. The Insurer does
not guaranty the market price of the Bonds nor does it guaranty that the ratings
on the Bonds will not be revised or withdrawn.
 
TRADITIONAL TRUSTS--Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of  all
principal  and interest on  certain Bonds in  a Traditional Trust  may have been
obtained by the Sponsor, issuer or underwriter of the particular Bonds  involved
or  by another party. Such insurance,  which provides coverage substantially the
same as  that obtained  with respect  to Bonds  in Insured  Trusts as  described
above,  is effective so long as the  insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer
remains in business. Insurance  relates only to the  particular Bond and not  to
the Units offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a
rating  of "Aaa" by Moody's  Investors Service, Inc. and/or  "AAA" by Standard &
Poor's Corporation in recognition of such insurance.
 
    If a Bond in a Traditional Trust is insured, the Schedule of Investments  in
Part  A of  this Prospectus  will identify the  insurer. Such  insurance will be
provided by  Financial  Guaranty  Insurance Company  ("FGIC"),  AMBAC  Indemnity
Corporation  ("AMBAC"), Bond Investors Guaranty  Insurance Company, now known as
MBIA Corp. of  Illinois ("BIG"),  Capital Guaranty  Insurance Company  ("CGIC"),
Financial   Security   Assurance,   Inc.  ("FSA"),   Municipal   Bond  Insurance
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
Association (the "Association"), MBIA  Insurance Corporation ("MBIA") or  Connie
Lee  Insurance  Company ("ConnieLee").  The Sponsor  to  date has  purchased and
presently  intends  to  purchase  insurance  for  Bonds  in  Traditional  Trusts
exclusively  from MBIA (see the preceding  disclosure regarding MBIA). There can
be no assurance  that any insurer  listed therein  will be able  to satisfy  its
commitments  in the  event claims  are made in  the future.  However, Standard &
Poor's Corporation has rated  the claims-paying ability  of each insurer  "AAA,"
and  Moody's Investors Service has rated all bonds insured by each such insurer,
except ConnieLee, "Aaa." Moody's Investor's  Service gives no ratings for  bonds
insured by ConnieLee.
 
    Because  any such insurance will  be effective so long  as the insured Bonds
are outstanding, such insurance  will be taken into  account in determining  the
market  value  of  such Bonds  and  therefore  some value  attributable  to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Trust that  includes
such  Bonds. The insurance does not, however,  guarantee the market value of the
Bonds or of the Units.
 
ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, is also the principal  underwriter
of  the Accumulation Funds listed in the following table. Each of these funds is
an open-end, diversified  management investment company  into which  Unitholders
may  choose  to reinvest  Trust distributions  automatically, without  any sales
charge. Unitholders may  reinvest both interest  and principal distributions  or
principal  distributions only. Each Accumulation  Fund has investment objectives
which differ in  certain respects from  those of  the Trusts and  may invest  in
securities which would not be eligible for deposit in the Trusts. The investment
adviser  to each Accumulation Fund is  a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sponsor.
Unitholders should contact their financial  adviser or the Sponsor to  determine
which  of  the Accumulation  Funds they  may reinvest  into, as  reinvestment in
certain of the Accumulation Funds may be restricted to residents of a particular
state or states. Unitholders may obtain a prospectus for each Accumulation  Fund
through  their financial adviser or through the Sponsor at (800) 621-7227. For a
more detailed  description,  Unitholders  should  read  the  prospectus  of  the
Accumulation Fund in which they are interested.
 
The  following is a complete list of the Accumulation Funds currently available,
as of  the  Date  of  Deposit  of this  Prospectus,  to  Unitholders  under  the
Accumulation Plan. The list of available Accumulation Funds is subject to change
without the consent of any of the Unitholders.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
ACCUMULATION FUNDS
 
MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MUNICIPAL TRUST
 
      Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship All-American Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST I
 
      Nuveen Flagship Arizona Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Florida Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST II
 
      Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen California Insured Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship New York Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen New York Insured Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST III
 
      Nuveen Flagship Alabama Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Louisiana Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
 
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST IV
 
      Nuveen Flagship Kansas Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Missouri Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
      Nuveen Flagship Wisconsin Municipal Bond Fund
 
Flagship Utility Income Fund
 
Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund
 
Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
 
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund
 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
 
Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
Nuveen New York Tax-Free Money Market Fund
 
Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.
 
    Each  person who purchases Units of a  Trust may become a participant in the
Accumulation Plan and elect  to have his  or her distributions  on Units of  the
Trust  invested directly in shares of one of the Accumulation Funds. Reinvesting
Unitholders  may  select  any  interest  distribution  plan.  Thereafter,   each
distribution  of  interest  income  or  principal  on  the  participant's  Units
(principal only in  the case of  a Unitholder  who has chosen  to reinvest  only
principal  distributions) will, on the applicable distribution date, or the next
day on which the New  York Stock Exchange is  normally open ("business day")  if
the  distribution date is not  a business day, automatically  be received by the
transfer agent for each of the Accumulation Funds, on behalf of such participant
and applied  on that  date to  purchase  shares (or  fractions thereof)  of  the
Accumulation  Fund chosen at net asset value as computed as of 4:00 p.m. eastern
time on each such date. All distributions will be reinvested in the Accumulation
Fund chosen and no part  thereof will be retained  in a separate account.  These
purchases will be made without a sales charge.
 
    The Transfer Agent of the Accumulation Fund will mail to each participant in
the  Accumulation  Plan  a  quarterly  statement  containing  a  record  of  all
transactions involving  purchases  of  Accumulation Fund  shares  (or  fractions
thereof)  with Trust  interest distributions or  as a result  of reinvestment of
Accumulation Fund  dividends. Any  distribution of  principal used  to  purchase
shares  of an  Accumulation Fund  will be  separately confirmed  by the Transfer
Agent. Unitholders will  also receive distribution  statements from the  Trustee
detailing the amounts transferred to their Accumulation Fund accounts.
 
    Participants  may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect
to change  the  Accumulation  Fund  into which  their  distributions  are  being
reinvested,  to change from principal only  reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units  in
cash.  There will be no  charge or other penalty for  such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust  distributions for income tax purposes  will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
Founded  in  1898, Nuveen  is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking firm
specializing in the underwriting and  distribution of tax-exempt securities  and
maintains  the largest research  department in the  investment banking community
devoted exclusively to  the analysis  of municipal securities.  In 1961,  Nuveen
began  sponsoring the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust  and since that time has issued
more than $36 billion in tax-exempt  unit trusts, including over $12 billion  in
tax-exempt insured unit trusts. The Sponsor is also principal underwriter of the
registered  open-end investment  companies set forth  herein under "Accumulation
Plan" as well as for the Golden  Rainbow A James Advised Mutual Fund, and  acted
as  co-managing  underwriter  of  Nuveen  Municipal  Value  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen
California Municipal Value  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen New York  Municipal Value  Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen  Performance   Plus  Municipal  Fund,   Inc.,  Nuveen   California
Performance  Plus  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  New  York  Performance  Plus
Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Municipal Advantage  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Municipal
Market  Opportunity Fund,  Inc., Nuveen California  Municipal Market Opportunity
Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Investment Quality Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  California
Investment  Quality  Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  New York  Investment Quality
Municipal Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Insured Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen
Florida  Investment  Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  Pennsylvania  Investment
Quality Municipal Fund,  Nuveen New  Jersey Investment  Quality Municipal  Fund,
Inc.,  and the  Nuveen Select  Quality Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen California
Select Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New  York Select Quality  Municipal
Fund, Inc., Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured Municipal
Opportunity  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Florida  Quality Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen
Michigan Quality  Income  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Ohio  Quality  Income
Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Texas  Quality  Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen
California Quality Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New York Quality  Income
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier
Insured  Municipal Income Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Select  Tax-Free Income Portfolio,
Nuveen Select  Tax-Free Income  Portfolio 2,  Nuveen Insured  California  Select
Tax-Free  Income  Portfolio,  Nuveen  Insured New  York  Select  Tax-Free Income
Portfolio, Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc., Nuveen Select  Tax-Free
Income  Portfolio  3, Nuveen  Select Maturities  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Insured
California Premium Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Arizona Premium  Income
Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Insured Florida  Premium Income  Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Michigan Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen New Jersey  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Insured New  York Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premium  Income Municipal Fund  4, Inc., Nuveen  Pennsylvania
Premium  Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund,
Nuveen Virginia  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen  Massachusetts  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen Insured  California Premium Income Municipal Fund
2, Inc., Nuveen Washington Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Georgia Premium
Income Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Missouri  Premium Income  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen
Connecticut  Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen California Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen  Insured
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, all registered closed-end management investment
companies.   These  registered  open-end  and  closed-end  investment  companies
currently have approximately
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
$35 billion  in securities  under management.  Over 1,000,000  individuals  have
invested to date in Nuveen's tax-exempt funds and trusts. Nuveen is a subsidiary
of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is approximately 78% owned by the St.
Paul  Companies, Inc. ("St. Paul").  St. Paul is located  in St. Paul, Minnesota
and is  principally engaged  in providing  property-liability insurance  through
subsidiaries.  Nuveen  is a  member of  the  National Association  of Securities
Dealers, Inc.  and the  Securities Industry  Association and  has its  principal
offices located in Chicago (333 W. Wacker Drive) and New York (Swiss Bank Tower,
10 East 50th Street). Nuveen maintains 11 regional offices.
 
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment  in the Trust  to reach their investment  goals, the Trust's sponsor,
John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated,  may advertise and  create specific  investment
programs  and  systems.  For  example, such  activities  may  include presenting
information on how to use  an investment in the  Trust, alone or in  combination
with  an investment in other mutual funds or unit investment trusts sponsored by
Nuveen, to accumulate  assets for  future education needs  or periodic  payments
such  as  insurance  premiums.  The  Trust's  sponsor  may  produce  software or
additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the Trust to meet
these and other specific investor needs.
 
    The  Sponsor  offers  a  program   of  advertising  support  to   registered
broker-dealer  firms, banks and bank affiliates  ("Firms") that sell Trust Units
or shares  of  Nuveen  Open-End  Mutual  Funds  (excluding  money-market  funds)
("Funds"). Under this program, the Sponsor will pay or reimburse the Firm for up
to one half of specified media costs incurred in the placement of advertisements
which  jointly feature the Firm and  the Nuveen Funds and Trusts. Reimbursements
to the Firm will be based on the number of the Firm's registered representatives
who have sold  Fund Shares  and/or Trust Units  during the  prior calendar  year
according  to an established schedule. Reimbursements under this program will be
made by the Sponsor and not by the Funds or Trusts.
 
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*
 
    STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION.  A  description of the applicable Standard  &
Poor's Corporation rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    A  Standard & Poor's rating is  a current assessment of the creditworthiness
of an obligor with  respect to a specific  debt obligation. This assessment  may
take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or lessees.
 
    The  rating is not  a recommendation to  purchase, sell or  hold a security,
inasmuch as  it  does not  comment  as to  market  price or  suitability  for  a
particular investor.
 
    The  ratings are  based on  current information  furnished by  the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard
& Poor's does not  perform an audit  in connection with any  rating and may,  on
occasion,  rely on unaudited financial information.  The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn  as a result  of changes in,  or unavailability of,  such
information, or for other circumstances.
 
    The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
     I.  Likelihood  of default--capacity and  willingness of the  obligor as to
         the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
         with the terms of the obligation;
 
     II.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
 
    III.  Protection afforded by,  and relative position  of, the obligation  in
          the  event of  bankruptcy, reorganization or  other arrangements under
          the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
    AAA--This is the  highest rating  assigned by Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
    AA--Bonds  rated AA have  a very strong  capacity to pay  interest and repay
principal, and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
 
    A--Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
 
    BBB--Bonds rated BBB  are regarded  as having  an adequate  capacity to  pay
interest  and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse  economic  conditions  or changing  circumstances  are  more
likely  to lead to a  weakened capacity to pay  interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than for bonds in the higher rated categories.
 
    PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" may be modified by  the
addition  of a  plus or minus  sign to  show relative standing  within the major
rating categories.
 
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    PROVISIONAL  RATINGS:  The   letter  "p"  indicates   that  the  rating   is
provisional.  A  provisional rating  assumes  the successful  completion  of the
project being financed by  the issuance of the  bonds being rated and  indicates
that  payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon
the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while
addressing credit  quality subsequent  to completion  of the  project, makes  no
comment  on the  likelihood of,  or the  risk of  default upon  failure of, such
completion. Accordingly,  the investor  should exercise  his own  judgment  with
respect to such likelihood and risk.
 
    NOTE  RATINGS:  A  Standard  & Poor's  note  rating  reflects  the liquidity
concerns and market access risks unique to  notes. Notes due in 3 years or  less
will  likely receive  a note  rating. Notes  maturing beyond  3 years  will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating.
 
    Note rating symbols are as follows:
 
        SP-1  Very strong  or strong  capacity to  pay principal  and  interest.
              Those   issues   determined   to   possess   overwhelming   safety
              characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.
 
        SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
    MOODY'S INVESTORS  SERVICE, INC.    A brief  description of  the  applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry
the  smallest degree of investment  risk and are generally  referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally  stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to  change, such changes  as can be  visualized are most  unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues. Their safety is so absolute  that,
with  the  occasional  exception  of oversupply  in  a  few  specific instances,
characteristically, their  market  value  is affected  solely  by  money  market
fluctuations.
 
    Aa--Bonds  which  are rated  Aa  are judged  to be  of  high quality  by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are  rated lower than the  best bonds because margins  of
protection  may  not  be  as  large as  in  Aaa  securities  or  fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater  amplitude or there may be other  elements
present  which  make the  long-term  risks appear  somewhat  larger than  in Aaa
securities. Their  market value  is virtually  immune to  all but  money  market
influences,  with  the  occasional exception  of  oversupply in  a  few specific
instances.
 
    A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes  and
are  to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered  adequate, but elements may be  present
which  suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. The market
value of A-rated bonds may be influenced to some degree by economic  performance
during  a sustained period of depressed business conditions, but, during periods
of normalcy,  A-rated  bonds  frequently  move  in  parallel  with  Aaa  and  Aa
obligations,  with  the occasional  exception of  oversupply  in a  few specific
instances.
 
    Moody's bond rating  symbols may  contain numerical modifiers  of a  generic
rating  classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at the high
end of  its category;  the modifier  2 indicates  a mid-range  ranking; and  the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
    Baa--Bonds  which are rated Baa are  considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither  highly protected nor  poorly secured. Interest  payments
and  principal security appear  adequate for the  present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may  be characteristically unreliable over any  great
length  of time. Such  bonds lack outstanding  investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative  characteristics as  well. The market  value of  Baa-rated
bonds  is more  sensitive to changes  in economic circumstances,  and aside from
occasional speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa  market
valuations  move in parallel  with Aaa, Aa  and A obligations  during periods of
economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
 
    Con. (--)--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of  some
act  or the  fulfillment of  some condition  are rated  conditionally. These are
bonds secured by (a)  earnings of projects under  construction, (b) earnings  of
projects  unseasoned  in  operation  experience, (c)  rentals  which  begin when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes  probable credit stature upon  completion
of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
 
NOTE RATINGS:
 
    MIG 1  This  designation  denotes  best  quality.  There  is  present strong
           protection by established cash  flows, superior liquidity support  or
           demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
 
    MIG 2  This  designation  denotes high  quality.  Margins of  protection are
           ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.  A brief description  of the applicable  Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
 
    AAA--Bonds  considered  to be  investment grade  and  of the  highest credit
quality. The obligor  has an exceptionally  strong ability to  pay interest  and
repay  principal, which  is unlikely  to be  affected by  reasonably foreseeable
events.
 
    AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's  ability to  pay  interest and  repay  principal is  very  strong,
although  not quite as strong as bonds rated  AAA. Bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments.
 
    A--Bonds considered to be investment grade  and of high credit quality.  The
obligor's  ability  to pay  interest  and repay  principal  is considered  to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
 
    BBB--Bonds considered  to be  investment grade  and of  satisfactory  credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to  be  adequate.  Adverse  changes in  economic  conditions  and circumstances,
however, are more likely  to have adverse impact  on these bonds, and  therefore
impair  timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
 
    To provide more detailed  indications of credit quality,  the AA, A and  BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
 
NOTE RATINGS:
 
    FIN-1  Notes  assigned  this rating  are  regarded as  having  the strongest
           degree of assurance for timely payment.
 
    FIN-2  Notes assigned this rating reflect  a degree of assurance for  timely
           payment only slightly less in degree than the highest category.
 
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE
 
    The  Sponsor may compare the estimated returns of the Trust with the returns
or yields  of  other  tax-free  and taxable  investments,  often  on  a  taxable
equivalent  basis. In addition, the Sponsor from  time to time may quote various
performance measures  and studies  in order  to compare  the historical  returns
available  from an investment  in municipal securities  with investments in both
tax-free and taxable securities.
 
    In September 1995, Nuveen  Research prepared one  such study which  compared
the  after-tax value  of $100,000  initially invested  in 1975  in various asset
classes including  municipal  bonds,  treasury bonds  and  corporate  bonds.  As
indicated  in the chart  provided below, the 20-year  study shows that municipal
bonds significantly outperformed corporate and  treasury bonds once the  effects
of  taxes were  factored in.  In fact, over  the 20-year  period, municipal bond
returns in dollars were more than double those of treasury bonds.
 
                 AFTER-TAX VALUE OF $100,000 INVESTED IN 1975*
 
    The graph  appearing on  this page  of the  Information Supplement  compares
after-tax  total returns  of $100,000  initially in 1975  in each  of the Lehman
Brothers MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index.
As indicated in the  graph, such an investment  in the Lehman Brothers  MuniBond
Index,  Long-Term  Treasury  Index  and  Long-Term  Corporate  Index  would have
appreciated to  $448,740, $267,668,  and $304,049,  respectively at  the end  of
1994.  The  graph  assumes all  proceeds  of  investment are  reinvested  at the
respective index rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20%  of
the assets in each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested
in the respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns  were based upon the income and  capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1975-1994 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents  of
$400,000  in 1994. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The  graph
is  for  illustrative  purposes  only,  and does  not  represent  the  return or
performance of any  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit  Trust and is  not intended to  predict
future results.
 
    *  The  graph compares  after-tax total  returns  using the  Lehman Brothers
MuniBond Index,  Long-Term Treasury  Index and  Long-Term Corporate  Index.  The
graph  assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the respective index
rates at the time  of reinvestment and  also assumes that 20%  of the assets  in
each  category  are turned  over  annually and  proceeds  are reinvested  in the
respective indexes.  The  tax rates  assumed  to generate  the  after-tax  total
returns  were based upon the income and  capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1975-1994 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents  of
$100,000  in 1994. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The  graph
is  for  illustrative  purposes  only,  and does  not  represent  the  return or
performance of any  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit  Trust and is  not intended to  predict
future results.
 
    A  comparison  of  the  estimated  returns of  the  Trust  and  the historic
performance  of  municipal  bonds  to  the  returns  and  performance  of  other
investments  is  one  element  to  consider  in  making  an  informed investment
decision. Taxable investments have  investment characteristics that differ  from
those of the Trust. U.S. Government bonds are long-term
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
investments  backed by the full faith and  credit of the U.S. Government and are
subject to federal income tax but are  exempt from state income taxes. Bank  CDs
are generally short-term FDIC insured investments, which pay fixed principal and
interest  but  are subject  to  fluctuating rollover  rates.  Both bank  CDs and
corporate bonds are generally  subject to both federal  and state income  taxes.
Money  market funds  are short  term investments  with stable  net asset values,
fluctuating yields and special features that enhance liquidity.
 
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME
 
    The examples provided below illustrate how to calculate the estimated annual
income generated by a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each respective  Trust.
The  illustrations assume that the  investment was made on  the day prior to the
date of deposit  by an investor  electing the monthly  distribution plan.  These
hypothetical  examples are  for illustrative purposes  only and  not intended to
reflect or predict the results of any actual investment.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>        <C>                           <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    OHIO INSURED TRUST 143
 
    $10,000                    DIVIDED  BY $100.73                     =          99.275
    Investment                           Offering price and                       # of units purchased
    (as of 07/07/97)                     accrued interest
 
    99.275                    X          $4.9252                       =          $488.95
    # of units purchased                 Annual income per unit                   annual income
                                         (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>        <C>                           <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 226
 
    $10,000                    DIVIDED  BY $100.55                     =          99.453
    Investment                           Offering price and                       # of units purchased
    (as of 07/07/97)                     accrued interest
 
    99.453                    X          $4.9471                       =          $492.00
    # of units purchased                 Annual income per unit                   annual income
                                         (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
                                OHIO DISCLOSURE
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--OHIO
 
    As  described above, the  Ohio Trust will  invest most of  its net assets in
securities issued by  or on behalf  of (or in  certificates of participation  in
lease-purchase  obligations of) the State of Ohio, political subdivisions of the
State,  or  agencies  or  instrumentalities  of  the  State  or  its   political
subdivisions  (Ohio  Obligations). The  Ohio Trust  is therefore  susceptible to
general or particular economic, political, or regulatory factors that may affect
issuers of Ohio Obligations. The following information constitutes only a  brief
summary  of  some of  the  many complex  factors that  may  have an  effect. The
information does not apply to "conduit"  obligations on which the public  issuer
itself  has  no  financial  responsibility.  This  information  is  derived from
official statements of certain Ohio  issuers published in connection with  their
issuance  of securities  and from other  publicly available  information, and is
believed to be accurate. No independent verification has been made of any of the
following information.
 
    Generally, the  creditworthiness of  Ohio Obligations  of local  issuers  is
unrelated  to that  of obligations  of the  State itself,  and the  State has no
responsibility to make payments on those local obligations.
 
    There may be specific factors that  at particular times apply in  connection
with  investment  in  particular Ohio  Obligations  or in  those  obligations of
particular Ohio issuers. It is possible that the investment may be in particular
Ohio Obligations, or in those of  particular issuers, as to which those  factors
apply. However, the information below is intended only as a general summary, and
is  not intended  as a discussion  of any  specific factors that  may affect any
particular obligation or issuer.
 
    The timely payment of principal of and interest on Ohio Obligations has been
guaranteed by bond insurance purchased by  the issuers, the Ohio Trust or  other
parties. Those Ohio Obligations may not be subject to the factors referred to in
this section of the Prospectus.
 
    Ohio is the seventh most populous state. The 1990 Census count of 10,847,000
indicated  a 0.5% population increase from 1980. The Census estimate for 1995 is
11,157,000.
 
    While diversifying more into the service and other non-manufacturing  areas,
the  Ohio  economy continues  to  rely in  part  on durable  goods manufacturing
largely concentrated in motor vehicles and equipment, steel, rubber products and
household appliances. As a result, general  economic activity, as in many  other
industrially-developed  states, tends  to be  more cyclical  than in  some other
states and in the nation as a whole. Agriculture is an important segment of  the
economy,  with over half  the State's area devoted  to farming and approximately
16% of total employment in agribusiness.
 
   
    In prior years, the State's overall unemployment rate was commonly  somewhat
higher  than the national figure. For example, the reported 1990 average monthly
State rate was 5.7%, compared to the 5.5% national figure. However, for the last
five years the State rates  were below the national  rates (4.9% versus 5.4%  in
1996).  The unemployment rate and its effects vary among geographic areas of the
State.
    
 
    There can  be no  assurance  that future  national, regional  or  state-wide
economic  difficulties, and  the resulting impact  on State  or local government
finances  generally,  will  not  adversely  affect  the  market  value  of  Ohio
Obligations held in the Ohio Trust or the ability of particular obligors to make
timely  payments  of  debt service  on  (or  lease payments  relating  to) those
Obligations.
 
    The State operates on the basis of a fiscal biennium for its  appropriations
and  expenditures, and  is precluded by  law from ending  its July 1  to June 30
fiscal year (FY) or fiscal biennium in a deficit position. Most State operations
are financed through  the General  Revenue Fund  (GRF), for  which the  personal
income  and sales-use taxes are  the major sources. Growth  and depletion of GRF
ending fund  balances show  a consistent  pattern related  to national  economic
conditions,  with  the  ending  FY balance  reduced  during  less  favorable and
increased during more favorable economic periods. The State has well-established
procedures  for,   and   has  timely   taken,   necessary  actions   to   ensure
resource/expenditure  balances  during  less favorable  economic  periods. Those
procedures included general and selected reductions in appropriations spending.
 
    Key biennium-ending fund balances  at June 30, 1989  were $475.1 million  in
the  GRF and  $353 million  in the  Budget Stabilization  Fund (BSF,  a cash and
budgetary management  fund). June  30,  1991 ending  fund balances  were  $135.3
million (GRF) and $300 million (BSF).
 
    The  next  biennium,  1992-93,  presented  significant  challenges  to State
finances, successfully  addressed.  To  allow time  to  resolve  certain  budget
differences,  an interim appropriations act was  enacted effective July 1, 1991;
it included GRF  debt service  and lease  rental appropriations  for the  entire
biennium,  while continuing most  other appropriations for  a month. Pursuant to
the general appropriations act for the entire biennium, passed on July 11, 1991,
$200 million was transfered from the BSF to the GRF in FY 1992.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
    Based on updated results  and forecasts in  the course of  that FY, both  in
light  of  a  continuing  uncertain  nationwide  economic  situation,  there was
projected, and then timely addressed, an FY 1992 imbalance in GRF resources  and
expenditures.  In response, the  Governor ordered most  State agencies to reduce
GRF spending in the last six months of FY 1992 by a total of approximately  $184
million;  the $100.4  million BSF  balance and  additional amounts  from certain
other funds were transferred  late in the  FY to the  GRF; and adjustments  were
made in the timing of certain tax payments.
 
    A  significant GRF shortfall (approximately $520 million) was then projected
for FY  1993. It  was addressed  by appropriate  legislative and  administrative
actions, including the Governor's ordering $300 million in selected GRF spending
reductions and subsequent executive and legislative action (a combination of tax
revisions and additional spending reductions). The June 30, 1993 ending GRF fund
balance  was  approximately $111  million,  of which,  as  a first  step  to BSF
replenishment, $21 million was deposited in the BSF.
 
    None of the spending  reductions were applied  to appropriations needed  for
debt service or lease rentals relating to any State obligations.
 
    The 1994-95 biennium presented a more affirmative financial picture based on
June 30, 1994 balances, an additional $260 million was deposited in the BSF. The
biennium  ended June 30, 1995 with a GRF ending fund balance of $928 million, of
which $535.2 million was transferred into the BSF (which had an October 7,  1996
balance of over $828 million).
 
   
    The  GRF appropriations act for the 1996-97  biennium was passed on June 28,
1995 and promptly signed (after selective vetoes) by the Governor. All necessary
GRF appropriations  for  State  debt  service and  lease  rental  payments  then
projected  for  the biennium  were included  in  that act  (and, for  the coming
1998-99 biennium,  have  been  included  in the  appropriations  bill  for  that
biennium as now passed by the House). In accordance with the appropriations act,
the  significant June  30, 1995 GRF  fund balance,  after leaving in  the GRF an
unreserved and undesignated balance  of $70 million was  transferred to the  BSF
and  other  funds  including school  assistance  funds and,  in  anticipation of
possible federal program changes, a human services stabilization fund.
    
 
    The State's incurrence or  assumption of debt without  a vote of the  people
is,   with  limited  exceptions,  prohibited  by  current  State  constitutional
provisions. The State may  incur debt, limited in  amount to $750,000, to  cover
casual  deficits  or failures  in  revenues or  to  meet expenses  not otherwise
provided for. The Constitution expressly  precludes the State from assuming  the
debts  of any  local government  or corporation. (An  exception is  made in both
cases for any debt incurred to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or  defend
the State in war.)
 
   
    By  14  constitutional amendments  approved from  1921  to date  (the latest
adopted in 1995)  Ohio voters authorized  the incurrence of  State debt and  the
pledge  of  taxes  or excises  to  its payment.  At  May 1,  1997,  $955 million
(excluding certain highway bonds payable primarily from highway use receipts) of
this debt  was  outstanding.  The  only  such State  debt  at  that  date  still
authorized to be incurred were portions of the highway bonds, and the following:
(a)  up to $100 million of obligations  for coal research and development may be
outstanding at any  one time ($32.3  million outstanding); (b)  $240 million  of
obligations previously authorized for local infrastructure improvements, no more
than  $120 million  of which may  be issued  in any calendar  year ($879 million
outstanding); and (c) up to $200 million in general obligation bonds for  parks,
recreation  and natural  resource purposes which  may be outstanding  at any one
time ($44.2 million outstanding, with no more  than $50 million to be issued  in
any one year).
    
 
    The electors in 1995 approved a constitutional amendment extending the local
infrastructure  bond program  (authorizing an  additional $1.2  billion of State
full faith and credit obligations to be  issued over 10 years for the  purpose),
and  authorizing additional highway bonds (expected to be payable primarily from
highway use receipts). The latter supersedes the prior $500 million  outstanding
authorization,  and authorizes not  more than $1.2 billion  to be outstanding at
any time and not more than $220 million to be issued in a fiscal year.
 
   
    The Constitution  also  authorizes the  issuance  of State  obligations  for
certain  purposes, the owners of which do not  have the right to have excises or
taxes levied to pay debt service. Those special obligations include  obligations
issued by the Ohio Public Facilities Commission and the Ohio Building Authority,
and certain obligations issued by the State Treasurer over $4.9 billion of which
were outstanding or in the process of delivery at May 1, 1997.
    
 
    A  1990  constitutional  amendment authorizes  greater  State  and political
subdivision participation (including financing) in the provision of housing. The
General  Assembly  may  for  that  purpose  authorize  the  issuance  of   State
obligations secured by a pledge of all or such portion as it authorizes of State
revenues or receipts (but not by a pledge of the State's full faith and credit).
 
    A 1994 constitutional amendment pledges the full faith and credit and taxing
power  of  the State  to meeting  certain guarantees  under the  State's tuition
credit program which provides for purchase  of tuition credits, for the  benefit
of  State residents, guaranteed to cover a  specified amount when applied to the
cost  of  higher  education  tuition.  (A  1965  constitutional  provision  that
authorized student loan guarantees payable from available State moneys has never
been implemented, apart from a "guarantee fund" approach funded essentially from
program revenues.)
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
    State  and local agencies  issue obligations that  are payable from revenues
from or  relating  to certain  facilities  (but  not from  taxes).  By  judicial
interpretation,   these  obligations   are  not   "debt"  within  constitutional
provisions. In general, payment  obligations under lease-purchase agreements  of
Ohio  public agencies (in which certificates of participation may be issued) are
limited in duration to the agency's  fiscal period, and are renewable only  upon
appropriations being made available for the subsequent fiscal period.
 
   
    Local school districts in Ohio receive a major portion (state-wide aggregate
approximately  44%  in  recent  years)  of  their  operating  moneys  from State
subsidies, but are dependent on local property taxes, and in 117 districts  from
voter-authorized  income  taxes,  for  significant  portions  of  their budgets.
Litigation, similar to that  in other states, has  been pending questioning  the
constitutionality of Ohio's system of school funding. The Ohio Supreme Court has
recently  concluded  that  aspects  of  the  system  (including  basic operating
assistance) are unconstitutional, and ordered the State to provide for and  fund
a  system complying with the Ohio Constitution,  staying its order for a year to
permit time for responsive corrective actions. A small number of the State's 612
local school districts  have in any  year required special  assistance to  avoid
year-end  deficits. A  current program  provides for  school district  cash need
borrowing directly  from commercial  lenders, with  diversion of  State  subsidy
distributions  to  repayment if  needed.  Recent borrowings  under  this program
totalled $94.5 million for  27 districts (including $75  million for one) in  FY
1993,  $41.1 million for 28 districts in FY 1994, $71.1 million for 29 districts
in FY 1995 (including $29.5 million for one), and $87.2 million for 20 districts
in FY 1996 (including $42.1 million for one).
    
 
    Ohio's 943 incorporated cities and  villages rely primarily on property  and
municipal  income taxes for their operations. With other subdivisions, they also
receive local government support and  property tax relief moneys distributed  by
the State.
 
   
    For  those few  municipalities and  school districts  that on  occasion have
faced significant financial problems, there are statutory procedures for a joint
State/local commission to monitor  the fiscal affairs and  for development of  a
financial  plan to eliminate deficits and cure any defaults. Since inception for
muicipalities in  1979, these  procedures have  been applied  to 24  cities  and
villages;  for 19 of them  the fiscal situation was  resolved and the procedures
terminated. As of April  30, 1997, the 1996  school district "fiscal  emergency"
provision  had  been applied  to four  districts, and  eight districts  had been
placed on preliminary "fiscal watch" status.
    
 
    At present  the State  itself does  not levy  ad valorem  taxes on  real  or
tangible personal property. Those taxes are levied by political subdivisions and
other  local taxing districts. The Constitution has  since 1934 limited to 1% of
true value in  money the  amount of  the aggregate  levy (including  a levy  for
unvoted  general obligations) of property taxes by all overlapping subdivisions,
without a vote of  the electors or a  municipal charter provision, and  statutes
limit the amount of that aggregate levy to 10 mills per $1 of assessed valuation
(commonly  referred to as the  "ten-mill limitation"). Voted general obligations
of subdivisions are payable from property taxes that are unlimited as to  amount
or rate.
 
OHIO TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1997 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax  rates currently available and scheduled to  be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993.  The
table  assumes that federal taxable  income is equal to  state income subject to
tax, and for  cases in which  more than one  state rate falls  within a  Federal
bracket,  the state rate corresponding to the highest income within that Federal
bracket is used. The combined state  and Federal tax brackets shown reflect  the
fact  that state tax payments are currently deductible for Federal tax purposes.
The tables do  not reflect  any local  taxes or  any taxes  other than  personal
income  taxes. The  tables illustrate  what you  would have  to earn  on taxable
investments to equal the tax-exempt estimated current return for your income tax
bracket. A taxpayer's marginal tax rate  is affected by both his taxable  income
and  his  adjusted gross  income. Locate  your adjusted  gross and  your taxable
income (which  is your  adjusted  gross income  reduced  by any  deductions  and
exemptions),  then locate your tax bracket based  on joint or single tax filing.
Read across to the equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to
match the tax-free income.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 41.2 $    0-121.20      19.5   %     5.59    5.90    6.21    6.52    6.83    7.14    7.45    7.76
    41.2- 99.6      0-121.20      32.5         6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26
               121.20-181.80      33.0         6.72    7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33
   99.6-151.75      0-121.20      36.0         7.03    7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77
               121.20-181.80      36.5         7.09    7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84
               181.80-304.30      39.0         7.38    7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25
 151.75-271.05 121.20-181.80      42.0         7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
               181.80-304.30      44.5         8.11    8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26
                 Over 304.30      42.0   2     7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
   Over 271.05 181.80-304.30      48.5         8.74    9.22    9.71   10.19   10.68   11.17   11.65   12.14
                 Over 304.30      45.0   3     8.18    8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 24.65 $    0-121.20      19.0   %     5.56    5.86    6.17    6.48    6.79    7.10    7.41    7.72
  24.65- 59.75      0-121.20      31.5         6.57    6.93    7.30    7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76    9.12
  59.75-124.65      0-121.20      36.0         7.03    7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77
               121.20-243.70      37.0         7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
 124.65-271.05 121.20-243.70      42.5         7.83    8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87
                 Over 243.70      42.0   2     7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
   Over 271.05   Over 243.70      45.0   3     8.18    8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
       1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the  deduction for  personal exemptions.  They were  designed to  phase  out
certain  benefits  of  these  deductions  for  higher  income  taxpayers.  These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined Federal  and
state  tax  rate to  approximately 48.34  percent for  taxpayers filing  a joint
return and  entitled to  four  personal exemptions  and to  approximately  45.23
percent  for  taxpayers filing  a single  return entitled  to only  one personal
exemption. These limitations are  subject to certain  maximums, which depend  on
the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized
deductions.  For example, the limitation on itemized deductions will not cause a
taxpayer to  lose more  than  80% of  his  allowable itemized  deductions,  with
certain  exceptions. The  table does not  reflect the Ohio  joint filing credit,
which has the effect of reducing the state tax rates by 5% to 20% of such  rates
for  certain married taxpayers filing a joint  return. The amount of this credit
cannot exceed $650.00.
 
       2 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 40.8% after the 80%  cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
       3 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 44.13% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX B
                            PENNSYLVANIA DISCLOSURE
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--PENNSYLVANIA
 
    RISK   FACTORS--Prospective   investors   should   consider   the  financial
difficulties  and  pressures   that  the  Commonwealth   of  Pennsylvania   (the
"Commonwealth" or "Pennsylvania") and certain of its municipal subdivisions have
undergone.  Both the Commonwealth and the City of Philadelphia have historically
experienced significant revenue shortfalls. There  can be no assurance that  the
Commonwealth will not experience further declines in economic conditions or that
portions of the municipal obligations purchased by the Fund will not be affected
by  such  declines.  Without intending  to  be complete,  the  following briefly
summarizes some of these  difficulties and the  current financial situation,  as
well  as some of  the complex factors  affecting the financial  situation in the
Commonwealth. It  is  derived  from  sources that  are  generally  available  to
investors  and is based in part on information obtained from various agencies in
the Commonwealth. No  independent verification  has been made  of the  following
information.
 
    STATE  ECONOMY--The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the most populous
states,  ranking  fifth  behind  California,   New  York,  Texas  and   Florida.
Pennsylvania  is an established yet growing state with a diversified economy. It
is  the  headquarters   for  58  major   corporations.  Pennsylvania  had   been
historically  identified as a heavy-industry  state. That reputation has changed
over the last thirty years as  the coal, steel and railroad industries  declined
and  the  Commonwealth's  business  environment  readjusted  to  reflect  a more
diversified industrial  base.  This economic  readjustment  was a  result  of  a
long-term  shift in jobs, investment and workers away from the northeast part of
the nation. Currently, the  major sources of growth  in Pennsylvania are in  the
service  sector, including trade, medical and the health services, education and
financial institutions.
 
    Pennsylvania's agricultural industries remain an important component of  the
Commonwealth's economic structure, accounting for more than $3.6 billion in crop
and  livestock  products  annually.  Agribusiness  and  food-related  industries
support $39 billion in  economic activity annually. Over  51,000 farms form  the
backbone  of the State's agricultural economy. Farmland in Pennsylvania includes
over four million acres of harvested cropland and four million acres of  pasture
and  farm woodlands --  nearly one-third of the  Commonwealth's total land area.
Agricultural diversity  in the  Commonwealth is  demonstrated by  the fact  that
Pennsylvania  ranks among the  top ten states  in the production  of a number of
agricultural products.
 
    Non-agricultural employment in  Pennsylvania over  the ten  years ending  in
1995  increased at an annual rate of 1.02  percent. This rate compares to a 0.36
percent rate for  the Middle  Atlantic region  and a  1.8 percent  rate for  the
United  States during  the period  from 1986  through 1995.  For the  last three
years, employment in the Commonwealth has  increased 3.4 percent. The growth  in
employment experienced in Pennsylvania during this period is higher than the 2.9
percent growth in the Middle Atlantic region.
 
    Non-manufacturing  employment in Pennsylvania has  increased in recent years
to 82.1 percent of total employment in  1995 and to 82.5 percent as of  December
1996.  Consequently, manufacturing employment constitutes  a diminished share of
total employment  within  the  Commonwealth.  Manufacturing,  contributing  17.9
percent  of 1995  non-agricultural employment  and 17.5  percent as  of December
1996, has fallen behind  both the services  sector and the  trade sector as  the
largest  single  source  of employment  within  the Commonwealth.  In  1995, the
services sector accounted  for 30.4 percent  of all non-agricultural  employment
while the trade sector accounted for 22.8 percent.
 
    Pennsylvania's  annual  average  unemployment rate  was  below  the national
average from 1986  until 1990.  Slower economic growth  caused the  unemployment
rate in the Commonwealth to rise to 6.9 percent in 1991 and 7.5 percent in 1992.
The  resumption  of  faster  economic  growth  resulted  in  a  decrease  in the
Commonwealth's unemployment  rate to  7.1 percent  in 1993.  In 1994  and  1995,
Pennsylvania's  annual average unemployment  rate was below  the Middle Atlantic
Region's average,  but slightly  higher  than that  of  the United  States.  For
January   1997  the  unadjusted  unemployment  rate   was  5.3  percent  in  the
Commonwealth and 5.9 percent in the United States, while the seasonally adjusted
unemployment rate for the Commonwealth was  4.7 percent compared to 5.4  percent
for the United States.
 
    STATE  BUDGET--The  Commonwealth operates  under  an annual  budget  that is
formulated and submitted for legislative approval by the Governor each February.
The Pennsylvania  Constitution  requires  that the  Governor's  budget  proposal
consist  of three parts: (i) a  balanced operating budget setting forth proposed
expenditures and estimated revenues from all sources and, if estimated  revenues
and available surplus are less than proposed expenditures, recommending specific
additional  sources of revenue sufficient to  pay the deficiency; (ii) a capital
budget setting forth proposed expenditures to  be financed from the proceeds  of
obligations  of the  Commonwealth or its  agencies or from  operating funds; and
(iii) a financial plan for not less than the succeeding five fiscal years,  that
includes  for each year projected  operating expenditures and estimated revenues
and projected expenditures for capital  projects. The General Assembly may  add,
change  or delete  any items  in the  budget prepared  by the  Governor, but the
Governor retains veto power over the
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
individual appropriations passed by  the legislature. The Commonwealth's  fiscal
year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.
 
    All  funds  received by  the Commonwealth  are  subject to  appropriation in
specific amounts by the  General Assembly or by  executive authorization by  the
Governor.  Total appropriations enacted  by the General  Assembly may not exceed
the ensuing  year's  estimated revenues,  plus  (less) the  unappropriated  fund
balance  (deficit) of the preceding year, except for constitutionally authorized
debt service payments. Appropriations from the principal operating funds of  the
Commonwealth  (the General  Fund, the Motor  License Fund and  the State Lottery
Fund)  are  generally  made  for  one  fiscal  year  and  are  returned  to  the
unappropriated  surplus of the fund if not spent or encumbered by the end of the
fiscal year. The Constitution specifies that a surplus of operating funds at the
end of a fiscal year must be appropriated for the ensuing year.
 
    Pennsylvania  uses  the  "fund"  method  of  accounting.  For  purposes   of
government  accounting, a "fund" is an  independent fiscal and accounting entity
with a self-balancing  set of  accounts, recording cash  and/or other  resources
together  with all related liabilities and  equities that are segregated for the
purpose of carrying on  specific activities or  attaining certain objectives  in
accordance  with the fund's special regulations, restrictions or limitations. In
the Commonwealth, funds are established  by legislative enactment or in  certain
cases  by administrative  action. Over 150  funds have been  established for the
purpose of recording  the receipt  and disbursement  of moneys  received by  the
Commonwealth.  Annual budgets  are adopted  each fiscal  year for  the principal
operating funds of  the Commonwealth  and several other  special revenue  funds.
Expenditures  and encumbrances against these funds  may only be made pursuant to
appropriation measures  enacted by  the  General Assembly  and approved  by  the
Governor.  The General Fund,  the Commonwealth's largest  fund, receives all tax
revenues, non-tax  revenues and  federal grants  and entitlements  that are  not
specified  by law to be deposited  elsewhere. The majority of the Commonwealth's
operating and administrative expenses  are payable from  the General Fund.  Debt
service  on all  bond indebtedness of  the Commonwealth, except  that issued for
highway purposes or for the benefit  of other special revenue funds, is  payable
from the General Fund.
 
    Financial  information for the principal operating funds of the Commonwealth
are maintained on a budgetary basis of accounting, which is used for the purpose
of ensuring  compliance  with the  enacted  operating budget.  Since  1984,  the
Commonwealth  has also prepared  annual financial statements  in accordance with
generally accepted  accounting principles  ("GAAP"). Budgetary  basis  financial
reports  are  based on  a  modified cash  basis of  accounting  as opposed  to a
modified accrual basis  of accounting  prescribed by GAAP.  The budgetary  basis
financial  information  is adjusted  at fiscal  year-end to  reflect appropriate
accruals for financial reporting in conformity with GAAP.
 
    FINANCIAL CONDITION  AND  RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS.--  The fiscal  years  1992
through  1996 were years of recovery for Pennsylvania from the recession in 1990
and 1991. The recovery fiscal years were characterized by modest economic growth
and low inflation rates in the Commonwealth. These economic conditions, combined
with several years of  tax reductions following the  various tax rate  increases
and  tax base expansions enacted  in fiscal 1991 for  the General Fund, produced
modest increases in Pennsylvania's tax revenues during the period. Tax  revenues
from  fiscal 1992  through fiscal  1996 rose  at an  annual average  rate of 2.8
percent. Total revenues and other income sources increased during this period by
an average annual rate  of 3.3 percent. Expenditures  and other uses during  the
fiscal 1992 through fiscal 1996 period rose at a 4.4 percent annual rate, led by
annual  average increases of 14.2 percent for protection of persons and property
program costs and 11.4 percent for capital outlay costs. Expenditure  reductions
for  fiscal 1996 from the  previous fiscal year for  operating transfers out and
for  conservation  of  natural  resources  program  costs  were  the  result  of
accounting  changes affecting the General Fund and  the Motor License Fund and a
recategorization of  expenditures due  to a  departmental restructuring  in  the
General Fund. At the close of fiscal 1996, the fund balance for the governmental
fund  types totaled $1,986.3  million, an increase of  $58.7 million over fiscal
1995 and $758.5 million over fiscal 1992.
 
    FINANCIAL RESULTS  FOR  RECENT  FISCAL YEARS  (GAAP  BASIS).--The  five-year
period  from  fiscal 1992  through fiscal  1996 recorded  a 4.6  percent average
annual increase in revenues and other sources, led by an average annual increase
of   13.2   percent   for   intergovernmental   revenues.   The   increase   for
intergovernmental revenues in fiscal 1996 is partly due to an accounting change.
Tax  revenues during the five-year period increased an average of 2.5 percent as
modest economic growth, low inflation rates and several tax rate reductions  and
other  tax reduction  measures constrained the  growth of tax  revenues. The tax
reduction measures followed a $2.7 billion tax increase measure adopted for  the
1992 fiscal year.
 
    Expenditures  and  other uses  during the  fiscal  1992 through  fiscal 1996
period rose at an average  annual rate of 6.0 percent  led by increases of  14.2
percent  for protection of  persons and property  program costs. The  costs of a
prison expansion program and other correctional program expenses are responsible
for the  large percentage  increase. A  reduction in  debt service  costs at  an
average  annual rate of  29.1 percent over  the five-year period  is a result of
reduced short-term borrowing for cash flow purposes. Improved financial  results
and  structural  cash flow  modifications  contributed to  the  lower borrowing.
Efforts to control costs for various social welfare programs and the presence of
favorable economic conditions  have led  to a  modest 5.6  percent increase  for
public health and welfare costs for the five year period.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
    The  fund balance at  June 30, 1996  total $635.2 million,  a $547.7 million
increase from a balance of $87.5 million at June 30, 1992.
 
    FISCAL 1994  FINANCIAL  RESULTS  (BUDGETING  BASIS).--Commonwealth  revenues
during  the 1994 fiscal year totaled  $15,210.7 million, $38.6 million above the
fiscal year estimate, and 3.9 percent over commonwealth revenues during the 1993
fiscal year.  The sales  tax was  an important  contributor to  the higher  than
estimated  revenues. The strength  of collections from the  sales tax offset the
lower than budgeted performance of the  personal income tax that ended the  1994
fiscal  year $74.4 million below estimate.  The shortfall in the personal income
tax was largely due to shortfalls in  income not subject to withholding such  as
interest,  dividends and other income.  Expenditures, excluding pooled financing
expenditures and net of all fiscal 1994 appropriation lapses, totaled  $14,934.4
million  representing  a 7.2  percent  increase over  fiscal  1993 expenditures.
Medical assistance  and prisons  spending contributed  to the  rate of  spending
growth  for  the  1994 fiscal  year.  The Commonwealth  maintained  an operating
balance on a  budgetary basis  for fiscal 1994  producing a  fiscal year  ending
unappropriated surplus of $335.8 million.
 
    FISCAL  1995 FINANCIAL RESULTS (BUDGETARY BASIS).--Commonwealth revenues for
the 1995 fiscal year were above  estimate and exceeded fiscal year  expenditures
and  encumbrances.  Fiscal  1995  was the  fourth  consecutive  fiscal  year the
Commonwealth reported an increase in the fiscal year-end unappropriated balance.
Prior to reserves for transfer to the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund, the fiscal
1995 closing unappropriated surplus  was $540.0 million,  an increase of  $204.2
million over the fiscal 1994 closing unappropriated surplus prior to transfers.
 
    Commonwealth  revenues during the 1995 fiscal  year were $459.4 million, 2.9
percent, above the estimate of  revenues used at the  time the 1995 fiscal  year
budget  was  enacted.  Corporation  taxes  contributed  $329.4  million  of  the
additional receipts largely due to higher receipts from the corporate net income
tax. Fiscal 1995 revenues  from the corporate net  income tax were 22.6  percent
over  collections in fiscal 1994 and include the effects of the reduction of the
tax rate from  12.25 percent  to 11.99 percent  that became  effective with  tax
years  beginning  on  and after  January  1, 1994.  The  sales and  use  tax and
miscellaneous revenues also  showed strong year-over-year  growth that  produced
above-estimate  revenue collections.  Sales and  use tax  revenues were $5,526.9
million, $128.8 million above the enacted  budget estimate and 7.9 percent  over
fiscal  1994 collections.  Tax receipts  from both  motor vehicle  and non-motor
vehicle sales  contributed  to  the higher  collections.  Miscellaneous  revenue
collections  for fiscal 1995  were $183.5 million,  $44.9 million above estimate
and were largely  due to  additional investment earnings,  escheat revenues  and
other miscellaneous revenues.
 
    FISCAL  1996  FINANCIAL  RESULTS  (BUDGETARY  BASIS).--Commonwealth revenues
(prior to tax refunds) for the 1996 fiscal year increased by $113.9 million over
the prior fiscal  year to $16,338.5  million representing a  growth rate of  0.7
percent. Tax rate reductions and other tax law changes substantially reduced the
amount  and rate  of revenue  growth for the  fiscal year.  The Commonwealth has
estimated that tax changes enacted for the 1996 fiscal year reduced Commonwealth
revenues by $283.4  million representing  1.7 percentage points  of fiscal  1996
growth  in Commonwealth revenues.  The most significant  tax changes enacted for
the 1996 fiscal year were (i) the reduction of the corporate net income tax rate
to 9.99 percent; (ii) double weighing of  the sales factor of the corporate  net
income  apportionment  calculation;  (iii)  an increase  in  the  maximum annual
allowance for a net operating loss deduction from $0.5 million to $1.0  million;
(iv)  an  increase in  the  basic exemption  amount  for the  capital  stock and
franchise tax; (v) the repeal of the tax on annuities; and (vi) the  elimination
of inheritance tax on transfers of certain property to surviving spouses.
 
    Among  the major sources of Commonwealth  revenues for the 1996 fiscal year,
corporate tax receipts declined $338.4 million from receipts in the prior fiscal
year, largely due to the various tax changes enacted for these taxes.  Corporate
tax  changes were enacted to  reduce the cost of  doing business in Pennsylvania
for the purpose of encouraging business to remain in Pennsylvania and to  expand
employment  opportunities within the  state. Sales and use  tax receipts for the
fiscal year  increased $155.5  million,  or 2.8  percent, over  receipts  during
fiscal  1995. All of the increase was  produced by the non-motor vehicle portion
of the tax as  receipts from the  sale of motor  vehicles declined slightly  for
fiscal  1996. Personal income tax receipts  for the fiscal year increased $291.1
million, or 5.7 percent, over receipts  during fiscal 1995. Personal income  tax
receipts  were aided by  a 10.2 percent increase  in nonwithholding tax payments
which generally are comprised of quarterly estimated and annual final return tax
payments. Non-tax receipts for the fiscal  year increased $23.7 million for  the
fiscal  year. Included in that  increase was $67 million  in net receipts from a
tax amnesty program that was  available for a portion  of the 1996 fiscal  year.
Some  portion  of  the  tax amnesty  receipts  represent  normal  collections of
delinquent taxes. The tax amnesty program is not expected to be repeated.
 
    The unappropriated surplus (prior to transfers to Tax Stabilization  Reserve
Fund)  at the close of the fiscal year  for the General Fund was $183.8 million,
$65.5 million above estimate.  Transfers to the  Tax Stabilization Reserve  Fund
from  fiscal 1996 operations  will be $27.6 million.  This amount represents the
fifteen percent  of  the  fiscal year  ending  unappropriated  surplus  transfer
provided  under current law. With the  addition of this transfer and anticipated
interest earnings,  the Tax  Stabilization  Reserve Fund  balance will  be  $211
million.
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
    FISCAL   1997  BUDGET.--The   enacted  fiscal   1997  budget   provides  for
expenditures from Commonwealth  revenues of  $16,375.8 million,  an increase  of
0.6%  over appropriated amounts from Commonwealth  revenues for fiscal 1996. The
fiscal 1997 budget is based on anticipated Commonwealth revenues before  refunds
of  $16,744.5  million, an  increase  over actual  fiscal  1996 revenues  of 2.5
percent.
 
    Increased authorized spending for fiscal 1997 is driven largely by increased
costs of the corrections and the probation and parole programs. Continuation  of
the  trend of  rapidly rising inmate  populations increases  operating costs for
correctional facilities and requires the  opening of new facilities. The  fiscal
1997  budget contains  an appropriation increase  in excess of  $110 million for
these  programs.   The  approved   budget   also  contains   some   departmental
restructurings.  The Department of Community Affairs was eliminated with certain
of its programs transferred to the Department of Commerce that has been  renamed
the  Department of Community  and Economic Development.  In addition to assuming
some of  the community  programs, a  significant restructuring  of the  economic
development  programs was completed with the establishment of the new Department
of Community and Economic Development. Although the departmental  restructurings
are  estimated to save approximately $8 million, a $25 million increase in funds
was committed to economic and community development programs for fiscal 1997.
 
    Providing funding for these program increases in a fiscal year budget  where
appropriations  increased  by  only  $96.7  million,  or  0.6  percent, required
reductions and savings in other programs  funded from the General Fund. A  major
reform  of  the current  welfare system  was  enacted in  May 1996  to encourage
recipients  toward  self-sufficiency  through  work  requirements,  to   provide
temporary  support for families showing  personal responsibility and to maintain
safeguards for those who cannot help themselves. Net savings to the fiscal  1997
budget of $176.5 million is anticipated. Many of these savings are redirected in
the  fiscal 1997  budget toward providing  additional support  services to those
working and seeking work. Of  the net savings, $21  million is committed to  job
training  opportunities and  an additional $69  million towards  making day care
services available to welfare recipients for work opportunities. The fiscal 1997
budget  also   provides   additional  funding   without   requiring   additional
appropriations.  An  actuarial reduction  of 112  basis  points in  the employer
contribution rate  is  estimated  to save  school  districts  approximately  $21
million  for the fiscal year. Additional savings  can be expected to be realized
by school districts  from legislated  changes to teacher  sabbatical leaves  and
worker's compensation insurance.
 
    PROPOSED  FISCAL 1998 BUDGET.--On  February 4, 1997,  the Governor presented
his proposed  General Fund  budget  for fiscal  1998  to the  General  Assembly.
Revenue  estimates  in  the  proposed budget  were  developed  using  a national
economic forecast with projected  annual growth rates  below two percent.  Total
Commonwealth revenues before reductions for refunds and proposed tax changes are
estimated  to  be $17,339.2  billion, 2.4  percent  above revised  estimates for
fiscal 1997.  Proposed appropriations  against  those revenues  total  $16,915.7
million,   a  2.7  percent   increase  over  currently   estimated  fiscal  1997
appropriations. As proposed, the fiscal 1998 budget assumes the draw down of the
currently estimated  $177.6 million  unappropriated surplus  at June  30,  1997;
however,  no appropriation lapses are included  in this projection. Four tax law
proposals and a  proposed increase transfer  of taxes to  a special purpose  are
included  in the proposed  budget. Together these items  are estimated to reduce
fiscal 1998  Commonwealth revenues  by $66.9  million. All  require  legislative
enactment.  The General  Assembly is reviewing  the proposed  budget in hearings
before its committees. The General Assembly may change, eliminate or add amounts
and items to the Governor's proposed budget  and there can be no assurance  that
the budget, as prepared by the Governor, will be enacted into law.
 
    DEBT LIMITS AND OUTSTANDING DEBT.--The Pennsylvania Constitution permits the
issuance  of the following types  of debt: (i) debt  to suppress insurrection or
rehabilitate areas affected  by disaster; (ii)  electorate approved debt;  (iii)
debt for capital projects subject to an aggregate outstanding debt limit of 1.75
times  the annual average tax  revenues of the preceding  five fiscal years; and
(iv) tax anticipation notes payable in the fiscal year of issuance.
 
    Under the  Pennsylvania Fiscal  Code,  the Auditor  General is  required  to
certify  to the Governor and the  General Assembly certain information regarding
the Commonwealth's  indebtedness. According  to the  February 28,  1997  Auditor
General  certificate, the average annual tax  revenues deposited in all funds in
the five fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 was approximately $18.9 billion,  and,
therefore,  the net debt limitation  for the 1997 fiscal  year is $33.1 billion.
Outstanding net debt totaled $3.9 billion at June 30, 1996, approximately  equal
to  the net  debt at June  30, 1995.  At February 28,  1997, the  amount of debt
authorized by law to be issued, but not yet incurred, was $17.3 billion.
 
    Outstanding general obligation  debt totaled  $5,054.5 million  at June  30,
1996,  an increase of $9.1 million from  June 30, 1995. Over the ten-year period
ending June 30, 1996, total outstanding general obligation debt increased at  an
annual rate of 1.1 percent. Within the most recent five-year period, outstanding
general obligation debt has grown at an annual rate of 1.1 percent.
 
    DEBT  RATINGS.--All outstanding general obligation bonds of the Commonwealth
are rated AA- by S&P and A1 by Moody's.
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
    CITY  OF   PHILADELPHIA.--The   City   of  Philadelphia   (the   "City"   or
"Philadelphia")  is  the largest  city in  the  Commonwealth, with  an estimated
population of 1,585,577 according to the 1990 Census. Philadelphia experienced a
series of  general  fund deficits  for  fiscal  years 1988  through  1992  which
culminated  in  serious  financial  difficulties  for  the  City.  In  its  1992
Comprehensive  Annual  Financial  Report,  Philadelphia  reported  a  cumulative
general fund deficit of $71.4 million for fiscal year 1992.
 
    In  June  1991, the  Pennsylvania  legislature established  the Pennsylvania
Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority ("PICA"), a five-member board to  assist
Philadelphia  in  remedying  fiscal  emergencies. PICA  is  designed  to provide
assistance through the issuance of funding debt and to make factual findings and
recommendations to Philadelphia concerning its budgetary and fiscal affairs. The
legislation empowered PICA to issue notes  and bonds on behalf of  Philadelphia,
and also authorized Philadelphia to levy a one-percent sales tax the proceeds of
which  would  be  used  to  pay  off the  bonds.  In  return  for  PICA's fiscal
assistance, Philadelphia is required, among other things, to establish five-year
financial plans that include balanced annual budgets. Under the legislation,  if
Philadelphia  does not  comply with  such requirements,  PICA may  withhold bond
revenues and certain state funding. At this time, the City is operating under  a
five-year  fiscal plan approved  by PICA on  April 30, 1996.  As of February 28,
1997, PICA has issued approximately $1,761.7 million of its Special Tax  Revenue
Bonds.  The  financial assistance  has included  the  refunding of  certain city
general obligation bonds, funding of capital projects and the liquidation of the
City's Cumulative General  Fund balance deficit  as of June  30, 1992 of  $224.9
million.
 
    No  further PICA bonds are to be issued by PICA for the purpose of financing
a capital project or  deficit as the  authority for such  bond sales expired  on
December 31, 1994. PICA's authority to issue debt for the purpose of financing a
cash  flow deficit expired on December 31,  1996. Its ability to refund existing
outstanding debt  is unrestricted.  PICA  had $1,146.2  million in  Special  Tax
Revenue Bonds outstanding as of June 30, 1996.
 
    The  audited General fund balance of the City  as of June 30, 1994, 1995 and
1996 showed a surplus of approximately  $15.4 million, $80.5 million and  $118.5
million, respectively.
 
    S&P's  rating on Philadelphia's general  obligation bonds is "BBB-." Moody's
rating is currently "Baa."
 
    LITIGATION.--The Commonwealth is a  party to numerous  lawsuits in which  an
adverse  final decision could materially  affect the Commonwealth's governmental
operations and consequently its ability to pay debt service on its  obligations.
The  Commonwealth also faces tort claims made  possible by the limited waiver of
sovereign immunity effected by Act 152, approved September 28, 1978, as amended.
Under the Act, damages for  any loss are limited to  $250,000 per person and  $1
million for each accident.
 
PENNSYLVANIA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1997 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax  rates currently available and scheduled to  be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993.  The
combined  state and Federal tax  brackets shown reflect the  fact that state tax
payments are currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. The table does  not
reflect  any local  taxes or  any taxes  other than  personal income  taxes. The
tables illustrate what you  would have to earn  on taxable investments to  equal
the  tax-exempt  estimated  current  return  for  your  income  tax  bracket.  A
taxpayer's marginal tax  rate is  affected by both  his taxable  income and  his
adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross and your taxable income (which
is  your adjusted gross  income reduced by any  deductions and exemptions), then
locate your tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to  the
equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free
income.
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 41.2 $    0-121.20      17.5   %     5.76    6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27    7.58    7.88
    41.2- 99.6      0-121.20      30.0         6.79    7.14    7.50    7.86    8.21    8.57    8.93    9.29
               121.20-181.80      31.0         6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42
   99.6-151.75      0-121.20      33.0         7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
               121.20-181.80      34.0         7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85
               181.80-304.30      36.5         7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
 151.75-271.05 121.20-181.80      39.0         7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
               181.80-304.30      42.0         8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
                 Over 304.30      39.0   2     7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
   Over 271.05 181.80-304.30      45.5         8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
                 Over 304.30      42.5   3     8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 24.65 $    0-121.20      17.5         5.76    6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27    7.58    7.88
  24.65- 59.75      0-121.20      30.0         6.79    7.14    7.50    7.86    8.21    8.57    8.93    9.29
  59.75-124.65      0-121.20      33.0         7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
               121.20-243.70      34.5         7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
 124.65-271.05 121.20-243.70      39.5         7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
                 Over 243.70      39.0   2     7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
   Over 271.05   Over 243.70      42.5   3     8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
       1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and  the  deduction for  personal exemptions.  They were  designed to  phase out
certain  benefits  of  these  deductions  for  higher  income  taxpayers.  These
limitations,  in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined tax rate to
approximately 45.71 percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled  to
four personal exemptions and to approximately 42.45 percent for taxpayers filing
a  single return entitled to only  one personal exemption. These limitations are
subject to certain maximums,  which depend on the  number of exemptions  claimed
and  the total  amount of the  taxpayer's itemized deductions.  For example, the
limitation on itemized deductions  will not cause a  taxpayer to lose more  than
80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
 
       2  Marginal combined tax rate reverts to  37.79% after the 80% cap on the
limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
       3 Marginal combined tax rate reverts to  41.29% after the 80% cap on  the
limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELECTRONIC FILING AND PRINTED DOCUMENT.
 
   Pursuant  to Rule 499(c) (7) under the  Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 20-11
under the Investment  Company Act  of 1940, Registrant  hereby identifies  those
differences  in the foregoing document between the electronic format in which it
is filed and the printed form in which it will be circulated:
 
   (1)  The printed and distributed prospectus may be paged differently  because
the  printed document may contain a different amount of information on each page
from that contained in the electronic transmission.
 
   (2)  In  the printed  document, footnote symbols  may include  a "dagger"  or
multiple  "dagger". The  "dagger" symbol is  represented as #  in the electronic
document.
 
   (3)  The printed and distributed prospectus will not contain the  preliminary
prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first prospectus page.
<PAGE>
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
A.  BONDING ARRANGEMENTS OF DEPOSITOR:
 
   The  Depositor has obtained the following  Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for its
officers, directors and employees:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
    INSURER/POLICY NO.                                                      AMOUNT
    United Pacific Insurance Co.                                          $10,000,000
    Reliance Insurance Company
    B 74 92 20
    Aetna Casualty and Surety                                             $10,000,000
    08 F10618BCA
    St. Paul Insurance Co.                                                $ 6,000,000
    400 HC 1051
</TABLE>
 
B.  THIS AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING PAPERS AND
DOCUMENTS:
 
                                The facing sheet
 
                           The cross-reference sheet
 
                                 The Prospectus
 
                                 The signatures
 
                         Consents of Independent Public
                      Accountants and Counsel as indicated
 
                         Exhibits as listed on page S-5
 
C.  EXPLANATORY NOTE:
 
   This Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement contains multiple separate
prospectuses. Each prospectus will relate to an individual unit investment trust
and will consist  of a  Part A,  a Part B  and an  Information Supplement.  Each
prospectus  will be identical will the exception  of the respective Part A which
will  contain  the  financial  information  specific  to  such  underlying  unit
investment trust.
 
D.  UNDERTAKINGS:
 
   1.   With  the exception  of the information  included in  the state specific
appendices to the  Information Supplement,  which will vary  depending upon  the
make-up  of a  Fund or  updated to  reflect current  events, any  amendment to a
Fund's Information Supplement will be subject to the review of the staff of  the
Securities and Exchange Commission prior to distribution; and
 
   2.   The  Information Supplement  to the Trust  will not  include third party
financial information.
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
   The Registrant,  Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust,  Series 949  hereby  identifies
Series  401, 507, 512, 515, 517, 519, 723,  814 and 823 of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt
Unit Trust (the former name of the  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust) for purposes  of
the representations required by Rule 487 and represents the following:
    
 
   (1)    that  the portfolio  securities  deposited  in the  series  as  to the
securities of which  this Registration Statement  is being filed  do not  differ
materially in type or quality from those deposited in such previous series;
 
   (2)   that, except to the extent necessary to identify the specific portfolio
securities deposited in, and to provide essential financial information for, the
series with respect to  the securities of which  this Registration Statement  is
being  filed,  this Registration  Statement  does not  contain  disclosures that
differ in  any  material  respect  from  those  contained  in  the  registration
statements  for  such  previous  series  as  to  which  the  effective  date was
determined by the Commission or the staff; and
 
   (3)  that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
   Pursuant to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, the  Registrant,
Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit  Trust, Series  949  has  duly caused  this  Amendment of
Registration Statement to be signed on  its behalf by the undersigned  thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on July 8, 1997.
 
                                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 949
                                                             (Registrant)
 
                                          By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                                             (Depositor)
 
                                          By:  Anna R. Kucinskis
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Vice President
 
                                          Attest:  Karen L. Healy
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Assistant Secretary
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment of
Registration  Statement has  been signed below  by the following  persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                        TITLE*                 DATE
<S>                            <C>                              <C>        <C>
Timothy T. Schwertfeger        Chairman, Board of Directors         )
                               Chief Executive Officer and          )
                               Director                             )
                                                                    )
Anthony T. Dean                President, Chief Operating           )
                               Officer and Director                 )           Larry Woods Martin
                                                                    )           Attorney-In-Fact**
                                                                    )
John P. Amboian                Chief Financial Officer and          )              July 8, 1997
                               Executive Vice President             )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
O. Walter Renfftlen            Vice President and Controller        )
                               (Principal Accounting Officer)       )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------
 
* The  titles  of the  persons  named herein  represent  their capacity  in  and
relationship to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor.
 
**  The powers of attorney were filed on Form SE for Messrs. Renfftlen, Dean and
Schwertfeger with the  Amendment to the  Registration Statement on  Form S-6  of
Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit  Trust, Series  671  (File  No. 33-49175).  The  Power of
Attorney for Messr.  Amboian was filed  with the Amendment  to the  Registration
statement  on  Form S-6  of Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit Trust,  Series 823  (File No.
33-62325).
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
   
949
    
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    The consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to the use of its name in the  Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as Exhibit 4.4
to the Registratin Statement.
 
                         CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
 
    The  consent of Chapman and Cutler to the  use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the  Registration Statement is  contained in its  opinions filed  by
this amendment as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Registration Statement.
 
                            CONSENT OF STATE COUNSEL
 
    The consents of special counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to the use
of  their names  in the  Prospectus included  in the  Registration Statement are
contained in  their opinions  filed by  this  amendment as  Exhibit 3.3  to  the
Registration Statement.
 
                         CONSENT OF STANDARD & POOR'S,
                    A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
 
    The  consent of Standard & Poor's,  a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
to the use of its name in the Prospectus included in the Registration  Statement
is filed by this amendment as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.
 
                    CONSENT OF KENNY S&P EVALUATION SERVICES
 
    The  consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services to  the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment  as
Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement.
 
                      CONSENT OF CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN
 
    The  consent of  Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn to  the use  of its  name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment  as
Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement.
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
                                LIST OF EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
1.1(a)      Copy  of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
            Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan  Bank, Trustee (as Exibit  1.1 (a) to the  Sponsor's
            Registration  Statement  on Form  S-6  relating to  Series 823  of  the Fund  (file No.
            33-62325) and incorporated herein by reference).
1.1(b)      Trust Indenture and Agreement.
2.1         Copy of  Certificate  of  Ownership (Included  in  Exhibit  1.1(a) on  pages  2  to  8,
            inclusive, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1         Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered.
3.2         Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities being registered.
3.3         Opinions  of special state counsel to  the Fund for state tax  matters as to income tax
            status to residents of the respective states of the units of the respective trusts  and
            consents to the use of their names in the Prospectus.
4.1         Consent of Standard & Poor's, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
4.2         Consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services.
4.3         Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn.
4.4         Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
6.1         List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related information (incorporated
            by  reference to Form S-6 [File  No. 33-62325] filed on September  7, 1995 on behalf of
            Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 823).
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-5

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.1(B)
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 949
TRUST INDENTURE AND AGREEMENT
DATED JULY 8, 1997
 
   This  Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement  by  and  between  John  Nuveen  & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, sets  forth
certain provisions in full and incorporates other provisions by reference to the
document  entitled 'Standard Terms  and Conditions of  Trust for Nuveen Tax-Free
Unit Trust  Series  823 and  subsequent  Series, effective  September  7,  1995'
(herein  called  the  'Standard  Terms  and  Conditions  of  Trust'),  and  such
provisions as are set forth in full  and such provisions as are incorporated  by
reference  constitute a single instrument. All references herein to Articles and
Sections are to Articles  and Sections of the  Standard Terms and Conditions  of
Trust.
 
   Witnesseth That:
 
   In  consideration  of  the  promises  and  of  the  mutual  agreements herein
contained, the Depositor and the Trustee, agree as follows:
 
PART I
 
   Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust  Subject to the Provisions of Part  II
hereof,  all the  provisions contained in  the Standard Terms  and Conditions of
Trust are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed
to be a part of this instrument as  fully and to the same extent as though  said
provisions had been set forth in full in this instrument.
 
PART II
 
   Special  Terms  and  Conditions  of Trust  The  following  special  terms and
conditions are hereby agreed to:
 
   (a)  The Bonds defined  in Section 1.01(1) listed  in Schedule A hereto  have
been deposited in trust under this Trust Indenture and Agreement.
 
   (b)   The fractional  undivided interest in  and ownership of  the Trust Fund
represented by each  Unit for  a Trust  on the Initial  Date of  Deposit is  the
amount  set  forth  under  the  captions  "Essential  Information  -- Fractional
Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit" in the Prospectus.
 
   (c)  The number  of Units created of  each Trust are as  set forth under  the
caption  "Essential Information --  Number of Units" in  the Prospectus for each
Trust.
 
   (d)   Notwithstanding anything  to the  contrary in  the Standard  Terms  and
Conditions  of Trust, the phrase "Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust" shall be hereby
replaced with the phrase "Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust."
<PAGE>
   In Witness Whereof,  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated, has  caused this  Trust
Indenture and Agreement for Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust Series 949 to be executed
by  its  President, one  of its  Vice Presidents  or one  of its  Assistant Vice
Presidents and  its corporate  seal to  be hereto  affixed and  attested by  its
Secretary  or its  Assistant Secretary and  The Chase Manhattan  Bank has caused
this Trust Indenture and Agreement to be executed by one of its Vice  Presidents
or  Second  Vice Presidents  and its  corporate  seal to  be hereto  affixed and
attested to by one  of its Assistant  Treasurers; all as of  the day, month  and
year first above written.
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
Depositor
By Anna R. Kucinskis
Authorized Officer
(Seal)
Attest:
By Karen L. Healy
                   Assistant Secretary
 
The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee
By Timothy Kelley
Second Vice President
(Seal)
Attest:
By Joseph Lyons
                   Assistant Treasurer
 
Schedule A to the Trust Indenture and Agreement Securities Initially Deposited
in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust Series 949
 
(Note:  Incorporated herein and made a part hereof is the "Schedule of
Investments" as set forth for each Trust in the Prospectus.)

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.1
 
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
 
   
July 8, 1997
    
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
 
Gentlemen:
 
   We  have served  as counsel  for you,  as depositor  of Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 949 (hereinafter  referred to as the  "Fund"), in connection  with
the  issuance  under the  Trust Indenture  and Agreement  dated the  date hereof
between John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated, as Depositor,  and The Chase  Manhattan
Bank,  as Trustee, of Units of fractional  undivided interest in the one or more
Trusts of said Fund (hereinafter referred to as the "Units").
 
   In  connection  therewith,  we  have  examined  such  pertinent  records  and
documents  and matters of law as we have  deemed necessary in order to enable us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.
 
   Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
 
   1.  The execution and delivery of  the Trust Indenture and Agreement and  the
establishment  of  book  entry  positions  and  the  execution  and  issuance of
certificates evidencing  the Units  in the  Trusts of  the Fund  have been  duly
authorized; and
 
   2.   The book entry positions and certificates positions evidencing the Units
in the Trusts of the Fund when  duly executed and delivered or duly  established
by  the Depositor  and the Trustee  in accordance with  the aforementioned Trust
Indenture and Agreement, will constitute  valid and binding obligations of  such
Trusts and the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.
 
   We  hereby  consent  to the  filing  of this  opinion  as an  exhibit  to the
Registration Statement (File No.  333-28775) relating to  the Units referred  to
above  and to  the use  of our  name and to  the reference  to our  firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.4
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
and  to  all  references  to  our  Firm included  in  or  made  a  part  of this
Registration Statement.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
   
July 8, 1997
    

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.2
 
(On J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. Letterhead)
 
   
July 8, 1997
    
 
John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
Re:  Nuveen Tax Free Unit Trust, Series 949
 
Gentlemen:
 
   We  have  examined  the registration  statement  File No.  333-28775  for the
above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that Kenny S&P Evaluation Services,
a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently acting as the evaluator for the
trust. We  hereby  consent to  the  use in  the  Registration Statement  of  the
reference  to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc.
as evaluator.
 
   In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the Registration
Statement for  the  respective bonds  comprising  the trust  portfolio  are  the
ratings currently indicated in our KENNYBASE database.
 
   You  are hereby authorized to file a  copy of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
 
Sincerely,
 
Frank A. Ciccotto

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.1
 
(ON STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES LETTERHEAD)
 
July 8, 1997
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
RE:--Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
 
Gentlemen:
 
   This is in response to your requests regarding the above-captioned fund which
consists  of separate underlying unit investment trusts (the "trusts"), SEC file
# 333-28775.
 
   We have reviewed the  information presented to us  and have assigned a  "AAA"
rating  to the units of each insured trust  and a "AAA" rating to the securities
contained in  each insured  trust. The  ratings are  direct reflections  of  the
portfolio  of each  insured trust, which  will be composed  solely of securities
covered by bond insurance policies that insure against default in the payment of
principal and interest on the securities contained in each insured trust for  as
long  as they remain outstanding. We understand  that the bonds described in the
prospectus are the same as those in the attached list. Since such policies  have
been issued by MBIA which has been assigned a 'AAA' claims paying ability rating
by S&P, S&P has assigned a "AAA" rating to the units of each insured trust and a
"AAA" rating to the securities contained in each insured trust.
 
   Standard  &  Poor's  will maintain  surveillance  on the  "AAA"  rating until
thirteen months from the initial Date of  Deposit. On this date the rating  will
be  automatically withdrawn by Standard &  Poor's unless a post effective letter
is requested by the trust.
 
   You have permission to use the name  of Standard & Poor's, a Division of  The
McGraw-Hill  Companies  and the  above-assigned rating  in connection  with your
dissemination of information relating to the insured trusts provided that it  is
understood that the ratings are not "market" ratings nor recommendations to buy,
hold  or sell the units of the insured trusts or the securities contained in the
insured trusts. Further, it should be understood the rating on the units of each
insured trust  does  not take  into  account the  extent  to which  the  trust's
expenses  or portfolio asset sales for less than the trust's purchase price will
reduce payment to the unit holders of the interest and principal required to  be
paid  on the portfolio assets. S&P reserves the right to advise its own clients,
subscribers, and the public of  the ratings. S&P relies  on the sponsor and  its
counsel, accountants, and other experts for the accuracy and completeness of the
information submitted in connection with the ratings. S&P does not independently
verify the truth or accuracy of any such information.
 
   This  letter  evidences our  consent to  the use  of the  name of  Standard &
Poor's, a Division of  The McGraw-Hill Companies in  connection with the  rating
assigned  to the units  of each insured  trust in the  registration statement or
prospectus relating to the units and the trusts. However, this letter should not
be construed  as a  consent  by us,  within  the meaning  of  Section 7  of  the
Securities  Act of 1933, to the use of the name of Standard & Poor's, a Division
of The McGraw-Hill  Companies in  connection with  the ratings  assigned to  the
securities  contained in the insured trusts. You are hereby authorized to file a
copy of this letter with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
   Please be certain to send us three copies of your final prospectus as soon as
it becomes available. Should we not  receive them within a reasonable amount  of
time  after the closing or should they not conform to the certification received
by us, we reserve the right to nullify the ratings.
 
Very truly yours,
 
STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
 
By Sanford Bragg

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.2
 
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
 
July 8, 1997
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
 
Gentlemen:
 
   We  have served  as counsel  for you,  as Depositor  of Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 949 (the "Fund") in  connection with the issuance under the  Trust
Indenture  and  Agreement,  dated the  date  hereof  between John  Nuveen  & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor, and The Chase  Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, of  Units
of  fractional undivided  interest (the "Units"),  as evidenced by  a book entry
position or certificate, if requested by the  purchaser of Units, in the one  or
more Trusts of said Fund.
 
   We have also served as counsel for you in connection with all previous Series
of  the Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit  Trust and as  such have  previously examined such
pertinent records and documents and matters of law as we have deemed  necessary,
including  (but not limited to) the  Trust Indenture and Agreements with respect
to those series. We have also examined such pertinent records and documents  and
matters  of law as we  have deemed necessary including  (but not limited to) the
Trust Indenture and  Agreement relating  to Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust,  Series
949.
 
   We have concluded that the Trust Indenture and Agreement for the Fund and its
counterpart in each of the prior issues of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust are in all
material respects substantially identical.
 
   Based  upon the foregoing, and upon such matters  of law as we consider to be
applicable we are of the opinion that, under existing federal income law:
 
   (i)  Each of the Trusts will  not be an association taxable as a  corporation
but  will be governed by the provisions  of Subchapter J (relating to Trusts) of
Chapter 1, Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").
 
   (ii)  Each Unitholder will be considered  as owning a pro rata share of  each
asset  of the respective Trust of the Fund  in the proportion that the number of
Units of such Trust held by him  bears to the total number of outstanding  Units
of such Trust. Under Subpart E, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Code, income of
each  Trust will  be treated as  income of each  Unitholder of the  Trust in the
proportion described and an item of Trust income will have the same character in
the hands  of a  Unitholder  as it  would  have in  the  hands of  the  Trustee.
Accordingly,  to the extent that the income  of a Trust consists of interest and
original issue discount excludable  from gross income under  Section 103 of  the
Code,  such  income  will  be  excludable  from  Federal  gross  income  of  the
Unitholder, except in the case of a  Unitholder who is a substantial user (or  a
person  related to  such user)  of a facility  financed through  issuance of any
industrial development  bonds or  certain  private activity  bonds held  by  the
Trust.  In the case of such Unitholder who  is a substantial user (and no other)
interest received  with respect  to his  Units attributable  to such  industrial
development  bonds or  such private  activity bonds  is includable  in his gross
income. To the extent the Trust holds bonds that are "specified private activity
bonds" within the meaning  of Section 57(a)(5) of  the Code, a Unitholder's  pro
rata  portion of the  income on such  Bonds will be  included as an  item of tax
preference in the  computation of  the alternative  minimum tax  applied to  all
taxpayers (including non-corporate taxpayers) subject to the alternative minimum
tax.  In  the case  of certain  corporations, interest  on all  of the  Bonds is
included in computing the alternative minimum tax pursuant to Sections 56(c)  of
the  Code, the enviromental tax (the "Superfund Tax") imposed by Sections 59A of
the Code, and the  branch profits tax  imposed by Section 884  of the Code  with
respect to U.S. branches of foreign corporations.
 
   (iii)   Gain or  loss will be  recognized to a  Unitholder upon redemption or
sale of his Units. Such  gain or loss is measured  by comparing the proceeds  of
such  redemption or  sale with  the adjusted basis  of the  Units. If  a Bond is
acquired with accrued interest, that portion  of the price paid for the  accrued
interest  is added to the  tax basis of the Bond.  When this accrued interest is
received, it is treated as a return of capital and reduces the tax basis of  the
Bond.  If a Bond is purchased for a  premium, the amount of the premium is added
to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond premium is amortized over the remaining  term
of  the Bond,  and the tax  basis of the  Bond is  reduced each tax  year by the
amount of the premium  amortized in that tax  year. Unitholders must reduce  the
tax  basis of their  Units for their  share of accrued  interest received by the
Trust, if any, on Bonds delivered after  the Unitholders pay for their Units  to
the  extent that such interest  accrued on such Bonds  before the date the Trust
acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may exceed the
amount  of  accrued  interest  paid  to  the  seller)  and,  consequently,  such
Unitholders  may have an increase  in taxable gain or  reduction in capital loss
upon the disposition of such Units. Such  gain or loss is measured by  comparing
the  proceeds of such redemption or sale  with the adjusted basis of such Units.
In addition, such basis will be increased by both the
<PAGE>
Unitholder's aliquot share of  the accrued original  issue discount (and  market
discount,  if the Unitholder elects  to include market discount  in income as it
accrues) with respect to each Bond held by the Trust with respect to which there
was original  issue discount  at the  time the  Bond was  issued (or  which  was
purchased  with market discount) and reduced  by the annual amortization of bond
premium, if any, on Bonds held by the Trust.
 
   (iv)  If the Trustee disposes of  a Trust asset (whether by sale, payment  on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the Unitholder
and  the amount thereof is measured  by comparing the Unitholder's aliquot share
of the total  proceeds from the  transaction with his  basis for his  fractional
interest in the asset disposed of. Such basis is ascertained by apportioning the
tax  basis for his Units among each of the Trust assets (as of the date on which
his Units were acquired) ratably according  to their values as of the  valuation
date  nearest the date on which he purchased such Units. A Unitholder's basis in
his Units and of his fractional interest in each Trust asset must be reduced  by
the  amount of his aliquot  share of accrued interest  received by the Trust, if
any, on Bonds delivered after the Unitholders pay for their Units to the  extent
that  such interest  accrued on  the Bonds  before the  date the  Trust acquired
ownership of the Bonds (and the amount  of this reduction may exceed the  amount
of  accrued  interest  paid  to  the seller),  must  be  reduced  by  the annual
amortization of bond premium, if  any, on Bonds held by  the Trust; and must  be
increased  by the  Unitholder's share  of accrued  original issue  discount (and
market discount, if the Unitholder elects  to include market discount in  income
as it accrues) with respect to each Bond which, at the time the Bond was issued,
had original issue discount (or which was purchased with market discount).
 
   (v)   In the case of any Bond  held by the Trust where the "stated redemption
price at maturity"  exceeds the  "issue price,"  such excess  shall be  original
issue  discount. With respect to each Unitholder, upon the purchase of his Units
subsequent to  the  original  issuance  of  Bonds  held  by  the  Trust  Section
1272(a)(7)  of the Code provides for a  reduction in the accrued "daily portion"
of such original issue discount  upon the purchase of  a Bond subsequent to  the
Bond's original issue, under certain circumstances. In the case of any Bond held
by the Trust the interest on which is excludable from gross income under Section
103  of the Code, any original issue discount which accrues with respect thereto
will be treated as interest which is excludable from gross income under  Section
103 of the Code.
 
   (vi)   In the  case of Trusts  for which MBIA  Insurance Corporation ("MBIA")
insurance with respect to each of the Bonds deposited therein has been  obtained
by the Depositor or the issuer or underwriter of the Bonds, we have examined the
form  of MBIA's policy  or several policies of  insurance (the "Policies") which
have been delivered to the Trustee. Assuming issuance of Policies in such  form,
in  our  opinion, any  amounts paid  under  said Policies  representing maturing
interest on defaulted Bonds held by the Trustee will be excludable from  Federal
gross  income if, and  to the same extent  as, such interest  would have been so
excludable if paid in normal course of business by the respective issuer of  the
defaulted  Bonds, provided  that, at the  time such policies  are purchased, the
amounts paid for such policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the
reasonable expectation that the  issuer of the Bonds,  rather than the  insurer,
will  pay  debt  service  on  the  Bonds.  Paragraph  (ii)  of  this  opinion is
accordingly applicable to Policy proceeds representing maturing interest.
 
   Because the Trusts  do not include  any "private activity  bonds" within  the
meaning  of Section 57(a)(5) of the Code issued on or after August 8, 1986, none
of the  Trust  Fund's  interest income  shall  be  treated as  an  item  of  tax
preference   when  computing  the  alternative  minimum  tax.  In  the  case  of
corporations,  for  taxable  years  beginning  after  December  31,  1986,   the
alter-native  minimum tax  and the Superfund  Tax depend  upon the corporation's
alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the corporation's  taxable
income with certain adjustments.
 
   Pursuant  to Section 56(c) of  the Code, one of  the adjustment items used in
computing AMTI  and  the  Superfund  Tax  of a  corporation  (other  than  an  S
Corporation,  Regulated  Investment  Company, Real  Estate  Investment  Trust or
REMIC) for tax years beginning in 1989 is  an amount equal to 75% of the  excess
of  such corporation's "adjusted  current earnings" over an  amount equal to its
AMTI (before such  adjustment item and  the alternative tax  net operating  loss
deduction).  "Adjusted  current  earnings"  includes  all  tax-exempt  interest,
including interest on  all Bonds  in the  Trust, and  tax-exempt original  issue
discount. Under current code provisions, the Superfund Tax does not apply to tax
years  beginning on  or after January  1, 1996. Legislative  proposals have been
made that would extend the Superfund Tax.
 
   Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code  provide a complex set of rules  governing
the  accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide that original issue
discount accrues either  on the basis  of a constant  compound interest rate  or
ratably over the term of the Bond, depending on the date the Bond was issued. In
addition,  special  rules apply  if the  purchase  price of  a Bond  exceeds the
original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount which would have
previously accrued based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price").  The
application  of these rules will also vary depending on the value of the bond on
the date a Unitholder acquires his Units, and the price the Unitholder pays  for
his Units.
<PAGE>
   Effective  for tax returns  filed after December 31,  1987, all taxpayers are
required to disclose to  the Internal Revenue Service  the amount of  tax-exempt
interest earned during the year.
 
   Section 265 of the Code provides for a reduction in each taxable year of 100%
of  the otherwise deductible  interest on indebtedness  incurred or continued by
financial institutions, to which either Section  585 or Section 593 of the  Code
applies,  to purchase or  carry obligations acquired after  August 7, 1986 (with
certain exceptions), the interest on which  is exempt from Federal income  taxes
for  such taxable  year. Under  rules prescribed by  Section 265,  the amount of
interest otherwise deductible by such financial institutions in any taxable year
which is  deemed to  be attributable  to tax-exempt  obligations acquired  after
August  7, 1986, will generally  be the amount that bears  the same ratio to the
interest deduction  otherwise allowable  (determined without  regard to  Section
265)  to the taxpayer  for the taxable  year as the  taxpayer's average adjusted
basis (within the meaning  of Section 1016)  of tax-exempt obligations  acquired
after August 7, 1986, bears to such average adjusted basis for all assets of the
taxpayer.
 
   We  also call  attention to  the fact  that, under  Section 265  of the Code,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units is not
deductible for Federal  income tax purposes.  Under rules used  by the  Internal
Revenue Service for determining when borrowed funds are con-sidered used for the
purpose  of purchasing or carrying particular  assets, the purchase of Units may
be considered to  have been made  with borrowed funds  even though the  borrowed
funds  are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units. However, these rules
generally  do  not  apply  to   interest  paid  on  indebtedness  incurred   for
expenditures  of a personal  nature such as  a mortgage incurred  to purchase or
improve a personal residence.
 
   "The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") subjects  tax-exempt
bonds  to the market  discount rules of  the Code effective  for bonds purchased
after April 30,  1993. In general,  market discount  is the amount  (if any)  by
which  the stated  redemption price at  maturity exceeds  an investor's purchase
price (except to  the extent that  such difference, if  any, is attributable  to
original issue discount not yet accrued) subject to a statutory de minimis rule.
Market discount can arise based on the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price
a  Unitholder pays for his or her Units.  Under the Tax Act, accretion of market
discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior law, the accretion had  been
treated  as capital gain.  Market discount that  accretes while a  Trust holds a
Bond would be recognized  as ordinary income by  the Unitholders when  principal
payments  are received on the Bond, upon  sale or at redemption (including early
redemption), or  upon the  sale or  redemption of  his or  her Units,  unless  a
Unitholder elects to include market discount in taxable income as it accrues.
 
   We  have not examined any of the Bonds  to be deposited and held in the Trust
or the proceedings for the issuance thereof or the opinions of bond counsel with
respect thereto, and therefore express no opinion as to the exemption from State
income taxed of interest on the Bonds if received directly be a Unitholder.
 
   We hereby  consent  to the  filing  of this  opinion  as an  exhibit  to  the
Registration  Statement (File No.  333-28775) relating to  the Units referred to
above and to  the use  of our  name and to  the reference  to our  firm in  said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
 
(ON SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY LETTERHEAD)
 
   
JULY 8, 1997
    
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
The Chase Manhattan Bank
Nuveen Administration Department
4 New York Plaza - 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
 
   
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
    Ohio Insured Trust 143
    
 
Gentlemen:
 
   
    You  have requested  our opinion as  to the  Ohio tax aspects  of the above-
captioned Trust(s)  (the "Ohio  Trust(s)"),  which is(are)  part of  the  Nuveen
Tax-Free  Unit Trust -- Series 949 (the  "Fund"). We understand that the Fund is
organized under  the  Trust Indenture  and  Agreement, dated  the  date  hereof,
between  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated, as Depositor,  and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Trustee. We further  understand that (i) the  Fund will issue Units  of
fractional  undivided  interests in  several  state trusts,  including  the Ohio
Trust(s), (ii) the Units will be purchased by various investors ("Unitholders"),
(iii) each Unit of the Ohio Trust(s) represents a fractional undivided  interest
in  the principal and net income of the  Ohio Trust(s) in the ratio of ten Units
for each $1,000 of principal amount of the obligations initially acquired by the
Ohio Trust(s), and  (iv) each  state trust will  be administered  as a  distinct
entity with separate certificates, investments, expenses, books and records.
    
 
    In  addition, we  understand that  (i) the  Ohio Trust(s)  is(are) comprised
primarily of interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of
Ohio, political subdivisions thereof,  or agencies or instrumentalities  thereof
("Ohio  Obligations"), or by the governments of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam ("Territorial Obligations")  (collectively,
"Obligations"),  (ii) at all times at least fifty percent of the total assets of
the Ohio Trust(s) will  consist of Ohio Obligations,  or similar obligations  of
other states or their subdivisions, and (iii) distributions of interest received
by  the Ohio  Trust(s) will be  made semi-annually unless  the Unitholder elects
otherwise. We further understand that, based on the opinion of bond counsel with
respect to each issue of Ohio Obligations held or to be held by the Ohio  Trust,
rendered  on  the date  of  issuance thereof,  interest  on each  such  issue is
excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes under Section  103(a)
of  the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended ("Code"), or other provisions
of federal  law, provided  that with  respect to  certain Ohio  and  Territorial
Obligations,  certain  representations are  accurate  and certain  covenants are
satisfied.
 
    We understand  that Chapman  and Cutler  has rendered  an opinion  that  for
federal  income  tax purposes  the Ohio  Trust(s)  will not  be taxable  as (an)
association(s) but will be governed by the provisions of subchapter J  (relating
to  trusts) of  Chapter 1 of  the Code;  each Unitholder will  be considered the
owner of a  pro rata  portion of the  Unitholder's respective  Ohio Trust  under
Section  676(a) of the  Code; the Ohio  Trust(s) will not  be subject to federal
income tax; each  Unitholder will be  considered to have  received his pro  rata
share  of interest on  the underlying bonds in  the Unitholder's respective Ohio
Trust when it is received  by such Ohio Trust; and  each Unitholder will have  a
taxable  event  when  the  Unitholder's respective  Ohio  Trust  disposes  of an
underlying obligation  (whether by  sale, exchange,  redemption, or  payment  at
maturity) or when the Unitholder redeems or sells his Units.
 
    Based  on the foregoing and upon an  examination of such other documents and
an investigation of such other  matters of law as  we have deemed necessary,  we
are of the opinion that under existing Ohio law:
 
    1.--The Ohio Trust(s) is(are) not taxable as (a) corporation(s) or otherwise
for purposes of the Ohio personal income tax, Ohio school district income taxes,
the Ohio corporation franchise tax, or the Ohio dealers in intangibles tax.
 
    2.--Income  of  the Ohio  Trust(s)  will be  treated  as the  income  of the
Unitholders for  purposes of  the Ohio  personal income  tax and  municipal  and
school  district income taxes in Ohio and  the Ohio corporation franchise tax in
proportion to the respective interest therein of each Unitholder.
 
    3.--Interest on Obligations  held by the  Ohio Trust(s) is  exempt from  the
Ohio  personal income  tax, and  municipal and  school district  income taxes in
Ohio, and is excluded from the net income base of the Ohio corporation franchise
tax when distributed or deemed distributed to Unitholders.
<PAGE>
    4.--Proceeds paid under insurance  policies, if any, to  the Trustee of  the
Ohio  Trust(s) representing maturing  interest on defaulted  obligations held by
the Ohio Trust(s)  that is  excluded from gross  income for  federal income  tax
purposes  will be  exempt from  the Ohio personal  income tax  and municipal and
school district  income taxes  in  Ohio and  the net  income  base of  the  Ohio
corporation franchise tax.
 
    5.--Gains  and losses realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition by
the Ohio Trust(s) of Ohio Obligations are excluded in determining adjusted gross
and taxable income for purposes of  the Ohio personal income tax, and  municipal
and  school district income taxes in Ohio,  and are excluded from the net income
base  of  the  Ohio  corporation  franchise  tax  when  distributed  or   deemed
distributed to Unitholders.
 
    We  have not  examined any of  the obligations  to be deposited  in the Ohio
Trust(s) and  express  no  opinion  as to  whether  such  obligations,  interest
thereon,  or gain from  the sale or  other disposition thereof  would in fact be
exempt from any federal  or Ohio taxes  if such obligations  were held, or  such
interest or gain were received, directly by the Unitholders.
 
   
    We  hereby  consent to  the  filing of  this opinion  as  an exhibit  to the
Registration Statement (No. 333-28775) relating to the Units referred to  above,
and  to  the  reference  to  our  firm  as  special  Ohio  tax  counsel  in said
Registration Statement and in the Prospectus contained therein.
    
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
 
(ON DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS LETTERHEAD)
 
   
JULY 8, 1997
    
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
   
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
    Pennsylvania Insured Trust 226
    
 
Gentlemen:
 
   
    You  have requested our  opinion as to  the Pennsylvania tax  aspects of the
above-captioned Trust(s) (the "Pennsylvania Trust(s)") which is (are) a part  of
the  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust Series 949 ("Fund"). The Fund is organized under
the Trust  Indenture and  Agreement, of  even date,  between John  Nuveen &  Co.
Incorporated,  as Depositor, and The Chase  Manhattan Bank, as Trustee. The Fund
will contain several  trusts, including  the Pennsylvania  Trust(s), which  will
issue  Units of fractional  undivided interests. The Units  will be purchased by
various investors  ("Unit  Holder").  Each Unit  of  the  Pennsylvania  Trust(s)
represents  a fractional undivided  interest in the principal  and net income of
such Trust(s)  in the  ratio  of ten  Units  for each  $1,000  of value  of  the
obligations initially acquired by such Trust(s). Each Pennsylvania Trust will be
administered  as  a  distinct entity  with  separate  certificates, investments,
expenses, books and records.
    
 
    The proceeds  of  the  sale of  the  Units  will be  invested  primarily  in
interest-bearing  obligations  issued by  or on  behalf  of the  Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, its  agencies  and instrumentalities,  or  political  subdivisions
thereof,  including any county,  city, borough, town,  township, school disrict,
municipality, and  local housing  or parking  authority in  the Commonwealth  of
Pennsylvania  or issued by Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam or the Northern
Mariana Islands ("Bonds"). Distributions of  the interest received by the  Trust
will  be  made semi-annually  unless the  Unit Holder  elects otherwise.  In the
opinion of bond counsel to each issuer,  the interest on all bonds in the  Trust
is exempt fromn federal income tax under existing law.
 
    You  have advised us that for  federal income tax purposes each Pennsylvania
Trust will  not  be taxable  as  an association  but  will be  governed  by  the
provisions  of Subchapter J  (relating to Trusts)  of Chapter 1  of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.  Each Unit Holder  will be considered the  owner of a  pro
rata  portion of  the Unit  Holder's respective  Pennsylvania Trust  and will be
subject to tax  on the income  therefrom under  the provisions of  Subpart E  of
Subchapter  J of Chapter 1 of the  Internal Revenue Code of 1986. A Pennsylvania
Trust itself will not be subject to federal income taxes. For federal income tax
purposes, each item of trust income will have the same character in the hands of
a Unit Holder as it would have in the hands of the Trustee. Accordingly, to  the
extent  that the income of a  Pennsylvania Trust consists of interest excludable
from gross income under Section 103 of  the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,  such
income will be excludable from federal gross income of the Unit Holder.
 
    Based  upon the above facts,  it is our opinion  that for Pennsylvania state
and local tax purposes, a Pennsylvania Trust  will be recognized as a trust  not
taxable as a corporation. It will, therefore, not be subject to the Pennsylvania
Capital  Stock/Franchise Tax or the Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax. Since
all of the income of  a Trust is either  itself income exempt from  Pennsylvania
Personal  Income Tax,  as described below,  or is  required by the  terms of the
Trust to be distributed to the holders  of Units, a Trust should not be  subject
to Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. The Philadelphia School District Investment
Income Tax described below, is not imposed on trusts.
 
    Various personal property taxes are in effect in Pennsylvania, however, each
of  them exempts, inter alia, Bonds, cash,  checking and savings accounts in and
certificates of  deposit issued  by commercial  banks, savings  institutions  or
trust  companies and United States Treasury obligations. In general, these taxes
apply to a specified  list of items of  intangible personal property  including,
inter  alia, mortgages and  other evidences of indebtedness  and shares of stock
issued by business corporations  not doing business  in Pennsylvania. The  taxes
referred  to above include the County Personal Property Tax imposed on residents
of Pennsylvania  by  the  Act of  June  17,  1913, P.L.  507,  as  amended,  the
additional personal property taxes imposed on Pittsburgh residents by the School
District of Pittsburgh under the Act of June 20, 1947, P.L. 733, as amended, and
by  the City of Pittsburgh by Ordinance No.  599 of December 28, 1967, under the
Act of December 31, 1965, P.L. 1257, and any additional personal property  taxes
that  the School District of Philadelphia may reimpose on Philadelphia residents
under the authority contained in the Act of May 23, 1949, P.L. 1676, as amended.
Units evidencing fractional undivided interests in a Pennsylvania Trust will not
be subject  to any  of  these personal  property taxes  to  the extent  of  that
proportion of a Pennsylvania Trust represented by Bonds and other exempt assets.
Only that
<PAGE>
proportion  of the Units  represented by taxable  assets will be  subject to the
personal property  taxes. Pennsylvania  Trust  Units may  be taxable  under  the
Pennsylvania inheritance and estate taxes.
 
    The  interest  and  gain  from obligations  issued  by  the  Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania or by  its political  subdivisions or  by any  public authority  of
either  are exempt from tax under the Act  of August 31, 1971, P.L. 395, Act No.
94. However, that Act was repealed by the Act of December 3, 1993, P.L. 473, Act
No. 68  ("Act 68  of  1993") with  respect to  obligations  issued on  or  after
February  1, 1994. Pursuant to Act 68  of 1993, profits, gains or income derived
from the sale, exchange  or other disposition  of exempt government  obligations
issued  after  February 1,  1994  will be  subject  to state  or  local taxation
although interest and "income" derived from the exempt obligations will continue
to be exempt  from all state  and local taxation.  Therefore, the proportion  of
income  representing interest  from Bonds distributable  to Unit  Holders is not
taxable under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax imposed by Article III of the
Pennsylvania "Tax Reform  Code of 1971",  as amended  by the Act  of August  31,
1971,  P.L. 362, Act  No. 93, or under  the Corporate Net  Income Tax imposed on
corporations by Article IV of the Tax Reform Code. Similarly, such interest will
not be  taxable under  the Philadelphia  School District  Investment Income  Tax
imposed  on Philadelphia resident individuals under  the authority of the Act of
August 9, 1963, P.L. 640, as implemented by Section 19-1804 of the  Philadelphia
Code,  as  amended, and  resolutions of  the  Board of  Education of  the School
District of Philadelphia made pursuant to the ordinances, and such interest will
not be subject to  any of the  taxes on net income  from business activities  in
Philadelphia  under Philadelphia Code  Sections 19-1500 and  19-2600, imposing a
Net Profits Tax and a Business  Privilege Tax respectively. The City and  School
District of Pittsburgh do not impose any taxes on unearned income.
 
    Under  the  Pennsylvania Personal  Income Tax  Law,  personal income  tax is
imposed upon the  following specified  classes of income:  (1) compensation  for
services, (2) net profits from the operation of a business, profession, or other
activity,  (3) net  gains or  income from the  disposition of  property, (4) net
gains or income in the form of rents and royalties, (5) dividends, (6)  interest
from  obligations not otherwise  exempt, (7) gambling  and lottery winnings, (8)
net gains or income from estates or trusts which fall under any of the preceding
classifications. Although there is no published authority on the question, it is
our opinion that any  insurance proceeds paid in  lieu of interest on  defaulted
tax-exempt  obligations  will be  exempt from  Pennsylvania Personal  Income Tax
either as payment  in lieu of  tax-exempt interest or  as payments of  insurance
proceeds  which are not  included in any  of the classes  of income specified as
taxable under  the  Pennsylvania Personal  Income  Tax Law.  Since  Pennsylvania
Corporate  Net  Income Tax  is  imposed upon  the  corporation's net  income for
federal income tax purposes,  because such insurance  proceeds will be  excluded
from  the federal  income tax  base, such  proceeds will  not be  subject to the
Pennsylvania Corporate Net  Income Tax. Finally,  since proceeds from  insurance
policies are expressly excluded from the Philadelphia School District Investment
Income  Tax, insurance  proceeds paid  to replace  defaulted payments  under any
Bonds held by the Pennsylvania Trust(s) will not be subject to this tax.
 
    Under Act 68 of 1993,  a Unit Holder's share of  gain upon disposition of  a
Bond  issued on or after February 1,  1994 by the Pennsylvania Trust, whether by
sale, exchange, redemption  or payment at  maturity, will be  taxable under  the
Pennsylvania  Personal  Income Tax.  Gains on  the  disposition of  Bonds issued
before February  1,  1994  will continue  to  be  exempt. See  72  P.S.  Section
7303(a)(3)  and 61  Pa. Code Section.  121.9(b)(3). While there  is no published
authority with  respect to  the treatment  of  such gains  for purposes  of  the
Philadelphia School District Investment Income Tax, it is our opinion that gains
upon  dispositions of Bonds issued before February  1, 1994 are exempt from this
tax under Act of  August 31, 1971, P.L.  395, Act No. 94,  and, if the  question
were litigated, the Pennsylvania courts should so hold. Gains on the disposition
of  Bonds issued on or after February 1, 1994 will be taxable. In any event, the
Philadelphia School District  Investment Income  Tax has no  application to  any
gain on the disposition of property held for more than six months.
 
    In  C.C. Collings & Co., Inc. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 514 A.2d 1373
(1986), and two related cases, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held that gains
or losses from the sale of obligations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,  its
political  subdivisions, instrumentalities and  agencies are not  subject to the
Corporate Net  Income Tax.  Profits,  gains or  income  derived from  the  sale,
exchange  or other  disposition of those  exempt obligations issued  on or after
February 1, 1994, however, will be subject to tax pursuant to Act 68 of 1993.
 
    There is no  published authority  under any  of the  Pennsylvania state  and
local  income taxes described above with respect  to gain from the redemption or
sale of a Unit. To the extent that such gain represents the Unit Holder's  share
of  any unrealized gain on the Bonds issued  before February 1, 1994 and held by
the Trust, it is our opinion that  such gain is exempt from the  above-described
Pennsylvania  state and local income taxes  and, if the question were litigated,
the Pennsylvania  courts  should  so hold.  To  the  extent that  such  gain  is
attributable  to unrealized gain on  Bonds issued on or  after February 1, 1994,
such gain  will be  taxable under  such taxes.  In any  event, the  Philadelphia
School  District Investment  Income Tax  has no application  to any  gain on the
disposition of property held for more than six months.
 
    Interest on obligations  of Puerto Rico,  the Virgin Islands,  Guam, or  the
Northern  Mariana Islands is, under federal  law, exempt from taxation by states
and municipalities. Federal law  does not expressly  exclude from taxation  gain
realized  upon the disposition of such  obligations. Therefore, a disposition of
such obligations by a Pennsylvania  Trust could be a  taxable event to a  Holder
under  each of the  Pennsylvania state and  local income taxes  discussed in the
preceding paragraphs.  See  Willcuts v.  Bunn,  282  U.S. 216  (1931);  U.S.  v.
Stewart,   311   U.S.   60  (1940).   Similarly,   to  the   extent   that  gain
<PAGE>
on the  redemption  or  sale  of  a Unit  represents  unrealized  gain  on  such
obligations held by a Pennsylvania Trust, such gain could be taxable.
 
   
    We  hereby  consent to  the  filing of  this opinion  as  an exhibit  to the
Registration Statement (No. 333-28775) relating to the Units referred to  above,
and  to the reference  to our firm  as special Pennsylvania  tax counsel in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
    
 
Very truly yours,
 
DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.3
 
(ON CARTER LEDYARD & MILBURN LETTERHEAD)
 
   
July 8, 1997
    
 
   
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 949
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
    
 
   
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 949
    
 
Dear Sirs:
 
   
   We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "What is the
Tax Status of Unitholders?" in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus
of  Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit Trust,  Series 949  for the  registration of  units of
fractional undivided interest in the Fund  in the aggregate principal amount  as
set forth in the Closing Memorandum dated today's date.
    
 
Very truly yours,
 
CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This  schedule contains  summary financial  information extracted  from the Ohio
Insured Trust 143 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated July 8, 1997 and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER>                     001
<NAME>                        Ohio Insured
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                    JUN-30-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,339,916
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,351,706
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        46,320
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,403,226
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            46,320
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  46,320
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,351,706
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 95.76
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This   schedule  contains  summary  financial  information  extracted  from  the
Pennsylvania Insured Trust  226 which  is incorporated in  the Prospectus  dated
July 8, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER>                     002
<NAME>                        Pennsylvania Insured
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                    JUN-30-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,335,089
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,345,508
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        32,394
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,382,902
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            32,394
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  32,394
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,345,508
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 95.59
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MEMORANDUM
 
   
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 949
                         FILE NO. 333-28775
    
 
   
   The  Prospectus  and  the  Indenture  filed  with  Amendment  No.  1  of  the
Registration Statement  on Form  S-6 have  been revised  to reflect  information
regarding  the execution of  the Indenture and  the deposit of  bonds on July 8,
1997, and to  set forth  certain statistical  data based  thereon. In  addition,
there  are a number of other changes  from the Prospectus as originally filed to
which reference is  made, including  the increase  in the  size of  the Fund,  a
corresponding  increase in the  number of Units  and a change  in the individual
trusts constituting the Fund.  All references to the  Units, prices and  related
statistical  data will  apply to each  trust of  the Fund and  the Units thereof
individually.
    
 
   Except for such updating, an effort has been made to set forth below each  of
the  changes and also to reflect the  same by marking the Prospectus transmitted
with the Amendment. Also, differences  between the Final Prospectus relating  to
the  previous  series  of  the  Nuveen Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust  and  the subject
Prospectus have been indicated.
 
FORM S-6
 
FACING SHEET. The file number is now shown.
 
THE PROSPECTUS
 
   PART A-PAGE  2.--The  "Estimated  Long-Term Return"  and  "Estimated  Current
Return" to Unitholders under each Trust under each of the distribution plans are
stated.
 
   PART  A-PAGES 1 - 2.--Essential information for each of the Trusts, including
applicable footnotes, has been completed for this Series.
 
   PART A-PAGES 1 - 2.--The date of the Indenture has been inserted in Section 1
along with the size and number of Units of each of the Trusts.
 
   PART A-PAGES 1 - 6 et seq.--The following information for each Trust  appears
on the pages relating to such trust:
 
       The  estimated daily accrual of interest  under the plans of distribution
       for each of the Trusts
 
       Data regarding the composition of the portfolio of each Trust
 
       Disclosure  regarding  the  states'  economic  and  legislative   matters
       relevant to investors of state trusts
 
       Concentrations of issues by purpose in each Trust
 
       The  approximate percentage of  the bonds in the  portfolio of each Trust
       acquired  in  distributions  where  the  Sponsor  was  either  the   sole
       underwriter or manager or member of the underwriting syndicate
 
       The percentage of "when issued" bonds in the portfolio of each Trust
 
       The schedule of investments for each Trust, including the notes thereto
 
       Descriptions of the opinions of the special tax counsel for state trusts
 
       The  Record Dates and  Distribution Dates for  interest distributions for
       each Trust
 
       The statements of condition  for each Trust  and the accountant's  report
       with regard thereto.
 
       The amount of the Trustee's Fee
 
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
   
July 8, 1997
    


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