NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 821
S-6EL24, 1995-08-21
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<PAGE>
                                                      40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                Washington, D.C.  20549

                                    FORM S-6

For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.

A.  Exact Name of Trust:     NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 821

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:  James J. Wesolowski
                             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 (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485

_____
_____  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)

_____
_____  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule (485 or 486)

E.  Title and amount of securities being registered:  An indefinite number of
Units pursuant to Rule 24f-2 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

F.  Proposed maximum offering price to the public of the securities being
registered:  Indefinite

G.  Amount of filing fee:  $500 (as required by Rule 24f-2)

H.  Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:

                  As soon as practicable after the effective
                      date of the registration statement

-----       Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective
-----       on (Date) at (Time) pursuant to Rule 487.


______________________________________________________________________________

    The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant 
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this 
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with 
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration 
Statement  shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting 
pursuant to said  Section 8(a) may determine.



<PAGE>
   
                                AUGUST 18, 1995
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS
            Series 819
             August 18, 1995
    
INTEREST  INCOME TO THE  TRUSTS 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.
 
   
THE NUVEEN  TAX-EXEMPT  UNIT  TRUST,  SERIES 819  consists  of  five  underlying
separate  unit investment trusts designated  as North Carolina Traditional Trust
291, National Insured Trust 302, Arizona Insured Trust 41, Florida Insured Trust
215 and Georgia  Insured Trust  46. 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 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS), the interest on which is, in the opinion
of  bond counsel to the  issuers, exempt from Federal  income tax under existing
law. In addition, the interest on Bonds  in each State Trust is, in the  opinion
of  bond counsel  to the  issuers of the  obligations, exempt  from such State's
income taxes, if any. 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") or  Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")
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 and the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and the Units  of
each  such Trust have received a rating of "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 Section 5.)
    
 
THE  OBJECTIVES of the Trusts are  tax-exempt income and conservation of capital
through a diversified  investment in tax-exempt  Bonds. (SEE SECTIONS  2, 3  AND
11.)  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  the
Trusts' objectives will be achieved. (SEE PAGE A-1.)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS  of interest  received by  each Trust  will be  made semi-annually
unless the Unitholder elects to receive them monthly or quarterly. (SEE  SECTION
13.)  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  in
each  Trust on the  business day prior to  the Date of Deposit.  (SEE PAGE 3 AND
SECTION 9.)
 
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 SECTION 6.)  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 SECTION 6.)
 
A UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee, United States  Trust
Company of New York, 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  SECTION 19.)  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 SECTION 7.)
RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
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-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      INDEX                                             SECTION         PAGE
<C>   <S>                                              <C>        <C>
      SPECIFIC TRUST MATTERS
      North Carolina Traditional Trust 291                    3         9-14
      National Insured Trust 302                              3        15-18
      Arizona Insured Trust 41                                3        19-25
      Florida Insured Trust 215                               3        26-34
      Georgia Insured Trust 46                                3        35-42
      GENERAL MATTERS
      Accrued Interest                                        8         A-17
      Accumulation Plan                                      14         A-25
      Bonds, How Selected                                     3            8
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price         10         A-19
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                    4          A-7
      Bond Ratings                                            3         9-42
      Bonds, Removal from Trust                              21         A-34
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                   3, 4     9-42,A-8
      Capital Gains Taxability                               11         A-20
      Dealer Discount                                        17         A-29
      Description of Units of Trust                           1            6
      Distributions to Unitholders                           13         A-24
      Distribution Payment Dates                          3, 13   9-42, A-24
      Distribution of Units to the Public                    17         A-29
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts             --            4
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current
      Return                                                  9      3, A-18
      Evaluation                                             16         A-29
      Expenses to Fund                                       12         A-23
      Insurance on Bonds in the Insured Trusts                5         A-10
      Insurance on Certain Bonds in the Traditional
      Trusts                                                  5         A-12
      Interest Income to Trust                                3         9-42
      Investments, Schedules of                               3         9-42
      Legality of Units                                      24         A-38
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee       22        A-35
      Market for Units                                        7         A-17
      Minimum Transaction                                    17         A-29
      Objectives of the Trusts                                2            7
      Optional Distribution Plan                             13         A-24
      Other Information                                      24         A-37
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                        18         A-31
      Public Offering Price of Units                          6         A-13
      Quantity Purchases                                      6         A-13
      Record Dates                                           13         A-24
      Ratings, Description of                                24         A-39
      Redemption of Units by Trustee                         19    A-32,A-34
      Report of Independent Public Accountants                3           44
      Reports to Unitholders                                 15         A-28
      Repurchase of Units by Sponsor                         20         A-33
      Risk Factors                                            3          A-1
      Sales Charge                                            6         A-13
      Sponsor, Information About                             23         A-36
      State Tax Status                                        3         9-42
      Statements of Condition                                 3           45
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                        22         A-35
      Tax Status of Unitholders                              11         A-20
      Trustee, Information About                             22         A-35
      Trust Indenture, Amendment and Termination             24         A-37
      Unit Value                                             16         A-29
</TABLE>
    
 
                  2
<PAGE>
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
                                      AND
                    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS FOR THE TRUSTS
 
Following  are the  Estimated Long Term  and Estimated Current  Returns for each
Trust on the  business day  prior to  the Date  of Deposit,  under the  monthly,
quarterly and semi-annual plans of distribution (SEE SECTION 3):
 
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 291.....      5.50%         5.53%           5.54%
  National Insured Trust 302...............      5.71%         5.74%           5.75%
  Arizona Insured Trust 41.................      5.54%         5.57%           5.59%
  Florida Insured Trust 215................      5.59%         5.62%           5.64%
  Georgia Insured Trust 46.................      5.56%         5.60%           5.62%
</TABLE>
    
 
                           ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 291.....      5.41%         5.45%           5.46%
  National Insured Trust 302...............      5.64%         5.68%           5.69%
  Arizona Insured Trust 41.................      5.41%         5.44%           5.46%
  Florida Insured Trust 215................      5.49%         5.52%           5.54%
  Georgia Insured Trust 46.................      5.49%         5.52%           5.54%
</TABLE>
    
 
    The  Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to
the investor 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 to
a  specified date of any premium over  or discount from the par (maturity) value
in the bond's  purchase price. In  calculating Estimated Long  Term Return,  the
average  yield for  the 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. Once the average portfolio yield is  computed,
this  figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of the
maximum sales  charge paid  by investors.  The Estimated  Long Term  Return  and
Estimated  Current Return calculations do 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.
 
    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 the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the 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 Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the  calculation of Estimated Long  Term Return. There thus  can be no assurance
that the Estimated  Current Returns or  the Estimated Long  Term Returns  quoted
herein will be realized in the future. 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. For more  information,
see Section 9. 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.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
                 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS ON
                                AUGUST 17, 1995+
    
           Sponsor and Evaluator...... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
           Trustee........... United States Trust Company of New York
                  -------------------------------------------
 
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders   receiving   MONTHLY   distributions.   Unitholders   choosing
distributions  quarterly or  semi-annually will receive  slightly higher returns
because of the lower Trustee's fees and expenses under such plans. (SEE  SECTION
3 FOR DATA RELATING TO THESE PLANS.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      NORTH CAROLINA         NATIONAL             ARIZONA
                                                        TRADITIONAL           INSURED             INSURED
                                                         TRUST 291           TRUST 302           TRUST 41
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $    3,500,000      $    7,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................          35,000              75,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....        1/35,000            1/75,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    3,337,242      $    7,167,272      $    3,295,610
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        95.35      $        95.56      $        94.16
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.91      $         4.92      $         4.85
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $       100.26      $       100.48      $        99.01
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        94.88      $        95.06      $        93.68
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        95.35      $        95.56      $        94.16
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         5.38      $         5.42      $         5.33
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit.......  $         4.91      $         4.92      $         4.85
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       5.6731      $       5.9058      $       5.6004
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2458      $        .2354      $        .2441
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.4273      $       5.6704      $       5.3563
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01507      $       .01575      $       .01487
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           5.41%               5.64%               5.41%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           5.50%               5.71%               5.54%
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses Per
  Unit(5)...........................................  $       .03314      $       .03040      $       .02914
BECAUSE  CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN THE  TRUSTS 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 VARIOUS TRUSTS, 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 AFTER THE FIRST  YEAR, ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO AND  ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT
VARY FROM THAT SET FORTH ABOVE (SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 12 AND THE "SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS"):
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  ARIZONA INSURED TRUST.........   AUGUST 31, 1995    $           .02                     5.43        %
<FN>
----------
Evaluations for purpose of sale,  purchase or redemption of  Units are made as of  4 p.m. Eastern time  on the business day  next
following receipt of an order by the Sponsor or Trustee. (See Section 6.)
 + The business day prior to the Date of Deposit.
 *  National and State, 5.152%; Long  Intermediate, 4.439%; Intermediate, 4.058%; Short  Intermediate, 3.093%; Short Term, 2.564%
   (4.9%, 4.25%, 3.9%, 3.0% and 2.5% of the Public Offering Prices, respectively.)
(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 Trusts  and, accordingly, for  Units purchased on  the Date  of
    Deposit,  the following amounts of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to the Public Offering Prices: North
    Carolina Traditional Trust--$.08, National Insured Trust--$.08 and Arizona Insured Trust-- $.07. (See Section 8.)
(2) Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount  on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3)  The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in Section
    3.
(4) Estimated Long Term Return  for each 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 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 page 3 and Section 9.
(5)  Each 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 each Trust portfolio, 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?" and "Statements of Condition."  Historically, the sponsors of unit  investment trusts have paid all the
    costs of establishing such trusts.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
 
The income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been  calculated
for   Unitholders   receiving   MONTHLY   distributions.   Unitholders  choosing
distributions quarterly or  semi-annually will receive  slightly higher  returns
because  of the lower Trustee's fees and expenses under such plans. (SEE SECTION
3 FOR DATA RELATING TO THESE PLANS.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FLORIDA             GEORGIA
                                                          INSURED             INSURED
                                                         TRUST 215           TRUST 46
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................          35,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....        1/35,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    3,290,720      $    3,313,295
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        94.02      $        94.67
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.84      $         4.88
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        98.86      $        99.55
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        93.52      $        94.19
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        94.02      $        94.67
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         5.34      $         5.36
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit.......  $         4.84      $         4.88
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       5.6750      $       5.7143
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2500      $        .2464
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.4250      $       5.4679
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01506      $       .01518
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           5.49%               5.49%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           5.59%               5.56%
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses Per
  Unit(5)...........................................  $       .02914      $       .02571
 
<FN>
----------
Evaluations for purpose of sale,  purchase or redemption of  Units are made as of  4 p.m. Eastern time  on the business day  next
following receipt of an order by the Sponsor or Trustee. (See Section 6.)
 + The business day prior to the Date of Deposit.
 *  National and State, 5.152%; Long  Intermediate, 4.439%; Intermediate, 4.058%; Short  Intermediate, 3.093%; Short Term, 2.564%
   (4.9%, 4.25%, 3.9%, 3.0% and 2.5% of the Public Offering Prices, respectively.)
(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 Trusts  and, accordingly, for  Units purchased on  the Date  of
    Deposit,  the following  amounts of accrued  interest to  the Settlement Date  will be  added to the  Public Offering Prices:
    Florida Insured Trust--$.08 and Georgia Insured Trust--$.08. (See Section 8.)
(2) Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount  on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3)  The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in Section
    3.
(4) Estimated Long Term Return  for each 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 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 page 3 and Section 9.
(5)  Each 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 each Trust portfolio, 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?" and "Statements of Condition."  Historically, the sponsors of unit  investment trusts have paid all the
    costs of establishing such trusts.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
Record Dates......................................................................See Section 13
Distribution Dates................................................................See Section 13
Minimum Principal Distribution....................................................$0.10 Per Unit
Date Trusts Established..........................................................August 18, 1995
Settlement Date..................................................................August 23, 1995
Mandatory Termination Date........................................................See Section 24
Minimum Value of Each Trust.......................................................See Section 24
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.......................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Trustee's Annual Fees:
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------------
                    TRUST                         MONTHLY         QUARTERLY       SEMI-ANNUAL
  -----------------------------------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  <S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 291.....          $1.5526          $1.2326         $1.0426
  National Insured Trust 302...............           1.5980           1.2780          1.0880
  Arizona Insured Trust 41.................           1.5749           1.2549          1.0649
  Florida Insured Trust 215................           1.6346           1.3146          1.1246
  Georgia Insured Trust 46.................           1.6321           1.3121          1.1221
  ------------
  * Each Trustee 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.
</TABLE>
    
 
CUSIP Numbers:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    TRUST                         MONTHLY         QUARTERLY       SEMI-ANNUAL
  -----------------------------------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  <S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 291.....       6710A2 433       6710A2 441      6710A2 458
  National Insured Trust 302...............       6710A4 256       6710A4 264      6710A4 272
  Arizona Insured Trust 41.................       67101J 527       67101J 535      67101J 543
  Florida Insured Trust 215................       6706H4 257       6706H4 265      6706H4 273
  Georgia Insured Trust 46.................       67101M 678       67101M 686      67101M 694
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
   
SERIES 819
    
 
   
1.  WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 819?
    
 
   
Series  819 of the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt 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. This Series consists of five underlying
separate  unit  investment  trusts,  combined  under  one  trust  indenture  and
agreement, designated  North Carolina  Traditional Trust  291, National  Insured
Trust  302,  Arizona Insured  Trust 41,  Florida Insured  Trust 215  and Georgia
Insured Trust 46. The various 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 August  18,
1995  (the "Indenture") between  John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated (the "Sponsor")
and United States Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee").
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
   
    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) in the  principal amount of  $21,500,000 (the "Bonds"),
which initially constitute the  underlying securities of  the Trusts. Bonds  may
include  fixed rate obligations with regularly scheduled interest payments, zero
coupon bonds and  stripped obligations, which  represent evidences of  ownership
interests with respect to either a principal payment or a payment of interest on
a  tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations"). See  "SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS"
and "GENERAL  TRUST INFORMATION"  for  a discussion  of  zero coupon  bonds  and
Stripped  Obligations. The  following principal  amounts were  deposited in each
Trust: $3,500,000 in  the North  Carolina Traditional Trust,  $7,500,000 in  the
National  Insured Trust, $3,500,000 in the  Arizona Insured Trust, $3,500,000 in
the Florida Insured Trust and $3,500,000  in the Georgia Insured Trust. 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 "Schedules  of Investments" and
Section 4. 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 Section 4.
    
 
    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  Section 5.) 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 for 35,000  Units
of  the North Carolina  Traditional Trust, 75,000 Units  of the National Insured
Trust, 35,000 Units of  the Arizona Insured Trust,  35,000 Units of the  Florida
Insured  Trust and  35,000 Units  of the  Georgia Insured  Trust, which together
represent ownership of the entire Series, 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 of  10 Units for each
$1,000 principal value of Bonds initially deposited in such Trust. Only Units of
the National Insured Trust are offered  for sale to Illinois, Indiana,  Virginia
and Washington residents by this Prospectus.
    
 
2.  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. Bonds in any State Trust have been issued
primarily  by  or on  behalf of  the State  for  which such  Trust is  named and
counties, municipalities, authorities  and political  subdivisions thereof,  the
interest  on which Bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from Federal
and certain state income tax and  intangibles taxes, if any, for purchasers  who
qualify  as residents of that State.  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  obligations in the Insured
Trusts are rated "Aaa" by Moody's and  "AAA" by Standard & Poor's. (SEE  SECTION
5.)  All obligations in each Traditional Trust  are rated in the category "A" or
better (SP-1 or MIG 2 or better  in the case of short term obligations  included
in  a Short Term Traditional  Trust) by Standard &  Poor's or Moody's (including
provisional   or   conditional    ratings).   In    addition,   certain    Bonds
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
in  certain  Traditional Trusts  may be  covered  by insurance  guaranteeing the
timely payment, when due,  of all principal and  interest. (SEE SECTION 3.)  The
portfolios  of National and State Trusts  consist of long-term (approximately 15
to 40 year maturities) obligations; those of Long Intermediate Trusts consist of
intermediate to long term (approximately 11 to 19 year maturities)  obligations;
those of Intermediate Trusts consist of intermediate term (approximately 5 to 15
year  maturities)  obligations; those  of Short  Intermediate Trusts  consist of
short to intermediate term (approximately  3 to 7 year maturities)  obligations;
and  those of Short Term Trusts consist of short term (approximately 1 to 5 year
maturities) obligations.  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 this Prospectus.
 
    Each  Trust consists  of fixed-rate  municipal debt  obligations. Because of
this an investment in a Trust should be made with an understanding of the  risks
which an investment in such debt obligations may entail, including the risk that
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. During the past decade, there have been substantial fluctuations
in interest  rates, and,  accordingly, in  the value  of debt  obligations.  The
Sponsor cannot predict whether such fluctuations will recur.
 
3.  SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
 
In  selecting  Bonds for  the respective  Trusts,  the following  factors, among
others, were considered: (i) the  Standard & Poor's rating  of the Bonds or  the
Moody's  rating of the Bonds (see Section  2 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.
 
    In order for Bonds in the Insured  Trusts to be eligible for MBIA  Insurance
Corporation  insurance,  they must  have  credit characteristics  which,  in the
opinion of the insurer,  would qualify them  as "investment grade"  obligations.
Insurance is not a substitute for the basic credit of an issuer, but supplements
the existing credit and provides additional security therefor. (SEE SECTION 5.)
 
    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. Under the Indenture,  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.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
   
NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST 291
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio  of  North  Carolina  Traditional  Trust  291  consists  of 7
obligations issued  by entities  located in  North Carolina  and one  obligation
issued  by an entity  located in the Territory  of Puerto Rico.  One Bond in the
Trust is  a general  obligation of  the governmental  entity issuing  it and  is
backed  by the taxing power thereof. Seven Bonds  in the Trust 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 these  Bonds are  divided as  follows: College  and University  Revenue,  1;
Health Care Facility Revenue, 2; Combination Utility Revenue, 1; Municipal Lease
Revenue,  2; Water and/or Sewer Revenue, 1. Eight issues in the Trust were rated
by Standard &  Poor's as follows:  5-- AAA,  3--AA. Seven issues  were rated  by
Moody's as follows: 5--Aaa, 2--Aa.
    
 
   
    At  the Date  of Deposit,  the average  maturity of  the Bonds  in the North
Carolina Traditional Trust is 23.6 years. The average maturity of the Bonds in a
Trust is calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such  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 the Bonds in a Trust may increase or decrease from time
to time as Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately 28.6% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in  the
Trust (accounting for approximately 27.4% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)    are   original    issue   discount    bonds.   See    "GENERAL   TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS  AND STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for  a
discussion  of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately 25% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust consists of municipal lease obligations.
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust are  obligations of  issuers  whose revenues  are primarily  derived  from
hospitals  or other health care  services. The source of  payment for certain of
these Bonds, accounting for 14% of the Trust (included in the above percentage),
is insured by  a commercial insurer.  Consequently, the credit  ratings of  such
Bonds  essentially  reflect  the strength  of  the insurance  or  guarantee and,
depending upon the actual structure of the bond issue, are typically rated "Aaa"
or "Aa" by Moody's or "AAA" or "AA" by Standard & Poor's.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds on August 16, 1995.
The following summarizes certain information about the Bonds as of the  business
day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,320,434       $16,808           $198,560      $3,320,848                 .47%
</TABLE>
    
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor  did not participate  as either the  sole underwriter or  as
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original underwriter of any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the North Carolina Traditional Trust,  less estimated expenses, is estimated  to
accrue  at the rate  of $.01521 per Unit  per day under  the semi-annual plan of
distribution, $.01516 per Unit per day under the quarterly plan of  distribution
and  $.01507 per  Unit per  day under  the monthly  plan of  distribution. 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.
    
 
    Details of interest distributions per Unit of the North Carolina Traditional
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
NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST                  1995                             1996                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6480(1)                                                  $  5.4273
                                                          --------  $.4521 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6480(1)   $   .4548(2)   $  1.3644      $  1.3644        $  5.4593
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6480(1)   $   .4563(3)                  $  2.7378        $  5.4783
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * 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.
(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) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST
 
    For a  discussion  of the  Federal  tax status  of  income earned  on  North
Carolina Traditional Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The  assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations issued
by or on behalf of the State  of North Carolina, its political subdivisions  and
authorities  and, provided  the interest thereon  is exempt  from North Carolina
income taxes by the laws  or treaties of the United  States, by or on behalf  of
the  United States territories or possessions (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, Guam and  the Northern Mariana  Islands), their political  subdivisions
and authorities (the "North Carolina Bonds").
 
    In  the opinion of Moore & Van Allen, special North Carolina counsel for the
Series, under existing law:
 
        The North Carolina Traditional Trust is not an association taxable as  a
    corporation  for North Carolina  income tax purposes.  Interest on the North
    Carolina Bonds which is
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    exempt from North Carolina  income tax when received  by the North  Carolina
    Traditional  Trust  will  retain  its  status  as  tax-exempt  interest when
    distributed to Unitholders.
 
        For North  Carolina income  tax purposes,  each Unitholder  will have  a
    taxable  event when, upon redemption or sale  of his Units, he receives cash
    or other  property.  Gain  or  loss will  be  determined  by  computing  the
    difference  between  the  proceeds of  such  a  redemption or  sale  and the
    Unitholder's adjusted basis for the Units.
 
        For North  Carolina income  tax purposes,  each Unitholder  will have  a
    taxable  event when the North Carolina  Traditional Trust disposes of one of
    the North Carolina Bonds (whether  by sale, payment at maturity,  retirement
    or  otherwise); provided that when  any of the North  Carolina Bonds held by
    the North Carolina Traditional  Trust have been issued  under an act of  the
    General  Assembly of North Carolina that  provides that all income from such
    North Carolina Bond, including a profit made from the sale thereof, shall be
    free from  all taxation  by the  State of  North Carolina,  any such  profit
    received by the Trust will retain its tax-exempt status in the hands of each
    Unitholder.
 
        Interest  on indebtedness paid or accrued  by a Unitholder in connection
    with ownership of Units in the North Carolina Traditional Trust will not  be
    deductible by the Unitholder for North Carolina state income tax purposes.
 
        Amortization  of  North Carolina  Bond premiums  is mandatory  for North
    Carolina  state  income  tax  purposes  for  all  North  Carolina   resident
    Unitholders.  Amortization for the taxable  year is accomplished by lowering
    the basis or adjusted  basis of the Units,  with no deduction against  gross
    income for the year.
 
        Trust Units will be subject to North Carolina inheritance and estate tax
    if  owned by a North Carolina resident on the date of his death. Neither the
    North Carolina Bonds  nor the Units  will be subject  to the North  Carolina
    sales tax or use tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NORTH CAROLINA
 
   
    The  economic profile of North Carolina consists primarily of manufacturing,
agriculture,  tourism  and  mining.  The  North  Carolina  Employment   Security
Commission's   preliminary  figures   indicate  that   non-agricultural  payroll
employment accounted  for approximately  3,401,200 jobs  in November  1994,  the
largest  segment of which was the approximately 858,900 in manufacturing. During
the period  1987  to  1993,  per  capita income  in  North  Carolina  grew  from
approximately $13,479 to approximately $18,702, an increase of 38%.
    
 
   
    Agriculture accounts for 28% of North Carolina's economy. Gross agricultural
income in 1993 was approximately $5.5 billion, which placed North Carolina ninth
in  cash receipts  in commodities.  A strong  agribusiness sector  also supports
farmers with farm inputs (fertilizer, insecticide, pesticide and farm machinery)
and processing  of agricultural  commodities  (vegetable canning  and  cigarette
manufacturing).
    
 
   
    The  North Carolina Department of Commerce,  Division of Travel and Tourism,
has reported that in 1993 approximately $7.9 billion was spent on tourism in the
State (up 12.3% from 1989), and  that approximately $8.3 billion will have  been
spent  by the end of fiscal year 1994.  The Department also estimated that as of
the third  quarter  of  1994  approximately  255,000  people  were  employed  in
tourism-related jobs.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
    The  North  Carolina  Employment  Security  Commission  estimated  the North
Carolina unemployment rate in November 1994 to  be 3.9% of the labor force  (not
seasonably  adjusted)  and  4.1%  (seasonably  adjusted),  as  compared  with an
unemployment  rate  nationwide  of  5.3%  (not  seasonably  adjusted)  and  5.0%
(seasonably adjusted).
    
 
    General  obligations of  the State  are currently  rated "AAA"  and "Aaa" by
Standard & Poor's and Moody's, respectively. There can be no assurance that  the
economic conditions in which these ratings, or the ratings of the other bonds in
the Portfolio, are based will continue or that particular bond issues may not be
adversely   affected  by  changes  in   economic  or  political  conditions,  by
uncertainties peculiar to the issuers thereof or the revenue sources from  which
they  are to be  paid. The factual  information provided above  was derived from
publications of various North Carolina departments or agencies and has not  been
independently  verified.  Investors are  encouraged to  consult the  Schedule of
Investments at Date  of Deposit  for the  North Carolina  Traditional Trust  and
their  own investment advisors  regarding the merits of  particular bonds in the
Portfolio.
 
NORTH CAROLINA 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 1995 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. For
cases in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket,  the
highest  state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined state
and Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments  are
currently  deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      21.0   %     5.70    6.01    6.33    6.65    6.96    7.28    7.59    7.91
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      33.0         6.72    7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33
                 114.7-172.1      34.0         6.82    7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      36.5         7.09    7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84
                 114.7-172.1      37.0         7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
                 172.1-294.6      39.5         7.44    7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      42.0         7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
                 172.1-294.6      44.5         8.11    8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26
                  Over 294.6      42.0   2     7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      48.5         8.74    9.22    9.71   10.19   10.68   11.17   11.65   12.14
                  Over 294.6      45.5   3     8.26    8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      21.0   %     5.70    6.01    6.33    6.65    6.96    7.28    7.59    7.91
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      33.0         6.72    7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      36.5         7.09    7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84
                 114.7-237.2      38.0         7.26    7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      42.5         7.83    8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87
                  Over 237.2      42.0   2     7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      45.5   3     8.26    8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47
<FN>
------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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
CDs 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 CDs 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
AUGUST 18, 1995
NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST 291
(SERIES 819)
    
 
   
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      North Carolina Medical Care Commission,             2003 at 102         AA         Aa      $       464,675
                   Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds
                   (Presbyterian Health Services Corp. Project),
                   Series 1993, 5.50% Due 10/1/20.
    500,000      Appalachian State University, Utilities System      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             504,840
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994 of the Board of
                   Governors of the University of North
                   Carolina, 6.125% Due 5/15/19. (MBIA Insured.)
    115,000      Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe          2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             107,364
                   County (North Carolina), Sewerage System
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.50%
                   Due 7/1/22. (FGIC Insured.)
    385,000      City of Charlotte, North Carolina, Certificates     2004 at 102         AA         --              385,963
                   of Participation, Series 1995A (Charlotte/
                   Mecklenburg Law Enforcement Facilites
                   Project), 6.10% Due 12/1/15.
    500,000      Craven Regional Medical Authority (North            2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             463,010
                   Carolina), Insured Health Care Facilities
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1993, 5.50% Due
                   10/1/23. (MBIA Insured.)
    500,000      Certificates of Participation (1994 Hospital        2004 at 102         AA         Aa              497,165
                   and Office Facilities Project) County of
                   Durham, North Carolina, 6.00% Due 5/1/14.
    500,000      City of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Public        2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             458,805
                   Works Commission Revenue Bonds, Series 1995A,
                   5.25% Due 3/1/16. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about June 8, 1995 at a
                   price of 94.558% of principal amount.)(AMBAC
                   Insured.)
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2005 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             455,420
                   Bonds of 1995 (General Obligation Bonds.),
                   5.375% Due 7/1/22. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about May 4, 1995 at a
                   price of 93.916% of principal amount.)(MBIA
                   Insured.)
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,337,242
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 43.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
   
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 302
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio  of  National Insured  Trust  302  consists of  10  long term
(approximately 15 to 40 year maturities) obligations issued by entities  located
in  6 states. One Bond in the Trust  is a general obligation of the governmental
entity issuing it and is backed by  the taxing power thereof. Nine Bonds in  the
Trust  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 these  Bonds are divided  as follows: Dedicated-Tax
Supported Revenue, 1; College  and University Revenue,  1; Health Care  Facility
Revenue,  2;  Transportation Facility  Revenue, 1;  Municipal Lease  Revenue, 2;
Water and/or Sewer Revenue, 2.  All of the Bonds in  the Trust, as insured,  are
rated  AAA by Standard & Poor's and  Aaa by Moody's. Twenty-three percent of the
principal amount of Bonds in the Trust consists of issues of entities located in
the State of California and twenty percent  of the principal amount of Bonds  in
the  Trust consists of issues  of entities located in  the state of Illinois and
twenty percent of the principal amount of Bonds in the Trust consists of  issues
of entities located in the State of Indiana; such concentration may involve more
risk than if such Bonds were issued by issuers located in several states.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of  the Bonds in the National
Insured Trust is 27.9  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  33.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 33.0% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  20% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from the sale of water and/or sewerage services.
 
    Approximately  20% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of municipal lease obligations.
 
    Approximately 20% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds on August 17, 1995.
The following summarizes certain information about the Bonds as of the  business
day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $7,136,159       $31,113           $442,938      $7,129,459                 .50%
</TABLE>
    
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds from the issuer on
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
a negotiated or competitive bid basis as principal with the motive of  marketing
such bonds to investors at a profit. The Sponsor participated as either the sole
underwriter  or manager or as a member of the syndicates which were the original
underwriters of 10.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds.
    
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  National Insured Trust, less estimated  expenses, is estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01589 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01584 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01575
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. 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.
    
 
    Details of interest  distributions per  Unit of the  National Insured  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
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST                            1995                             1996                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6772(1)                                                  $  5.6704
                                                          --------  $.4725 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6772(1)   $   .4752(2)   $  1.4256      $  1.4256        $  5.7024
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6772(1)   $   .4767(3)                  $  2.8602        $  5.7214
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * 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.
(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) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--NATIONAL INSURED TRUST
 
    For a discussion  of the  tax status of  income earned  on National  Insured
Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
NATIONALLY DIVERSIFIED TRUST TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
(NATIONAL INSURED TRUST)
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  published  1995  marginal  Federal  tax  rates.  The  tables  incorporate
increased tax  rates for  higher-income tax  payers that  were included  in  the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. 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  income
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
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
to  the equivalent taxable estimated current return  you would need to match the
tax-free income.
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      28.0         6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03
                 114.7-172.1      29.0         6.69    7.04    7.39    7.75    8.10    8.45    8.80    9.15
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      31.0         6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         6.99    7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56
                 172.1-294.6      34.5         7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      37.0         7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
                 172.1-294.6      40.0         7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83
                  Over 294.6      37.0   2     7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      44.0         8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61
                  Over 294.6      41.0   3     8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
</TABLE>
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      28.0         6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      31.0         6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42
                 114.7-237.2      32.5         7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      38.0         7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48
                  Over 237.2      37.0   2     7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      41.0   3     8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
<FN>
------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled  to
four  personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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
CDs  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 CDs 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 Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
AUGUST 18, 1995
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 302
(SERIES 819)
    
 
   
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   750,000      County of Madera, California, Certificates of       2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       737,700
                   Participation (Valley Children's Hospital
                   Project), Series 1995, 6.125% Due 3/15/23.
  1,000,000      County of San Diego (California), Certificates      2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             995,000
                   of Participation (1994 Inmate Reception
                   Center and Cooling Plant Financing), 6.25%
                   Due 8/1/24. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about November 30, 1994 at a
                   price of 89.526% of principal amount.)
    750,000      City of Chicago (Illinois), Chicago-O'Hare          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             637,800
                   International Airport, General Airport Second
                   Lien, Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1993 Series C,
                   5.00% Due 1/1/18.
    750,000      Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             724,148
                   (Illinois), McCormick Place Expansion Project
                   Refunding Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.00% Due
                   6/15/27. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about June 23, 1994 at a
                   price of 93.881% of principal amount.)
    750,000      Western Boone County School Building                2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             752,888
                   Corporation, First Mortgage Bonds, Series
                   1994 (Thorntown, Indiana), 6.25% Due 1/15/16.
                   (General Obligation Bonds.)
    750,000      Indiana Health Facility Financing Authority,        2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             729,855
                   Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 1995 (Marion
                   General Hospital Project), 6.10% Due 7/1/25.
    750,000      Board of Trustees of Oakland University,            2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             703,808
                   Michigan, General Revenue Bonds, Series 1995,
                   5.75% Due 5/15/26.
    500,000      New York State Housing Finance Agency, Service      2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             507,325
                   Contract Obligation Revenue Bonds, 1995
                   Series A, 6.375% Due 9/15/15.
    750,000      New York City, New York, Municipal Water            2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa             729,638
                   Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
                   Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1996 Series A, 6.00%
                   Due 6/15/25.
    750,000      Loudoun County Sanitation Authority (Virginia),     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             649,110
                   Water and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1994A, 5.25% Due 1/1/30. (Original issue
                   discount bonds delivered on or about March
                   30, 1994 at a price of 89.671% of principal
                   amount.)
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 7,500,000                                                                                                 $     7,167,272
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 43.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 41
    
   
    The  Portfolio of Arizona Insured Trust  41 consists of 7 obligations issued
by entities located in Arizona and one obligation issued by an entity located in
the Territory of Puerto Rico. Three  Bonds in the Trust are general  obligations
of  the governmental entities issuing  them and are backed  by the taxing powers
thereof. Five Bonds in the Trust 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 these Bonds are divided
as follows: Dedicated-Tax  Supported Revenue, 1;  Electrical System Revenue,  1;
Health Care Facility Revenue, 2; Water and/or Sewer Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds
in the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of  Deposit, the average  maturity of the  Bonds in the Arizona
Insured Trust is 24.8  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  42.9% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 40.8% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between August  16,
1995 and August 17, 1995. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,284,069       $11,541           $196,625      $3,278,735                 .48%
</TABLE>
    
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. 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.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Arizona Insured Trust,  less estimated expenses, is  estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01502 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01496 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01487
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. 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.
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    Details of  interest distributions  per Unit  of the  Arizona Insured  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
ARIZONA INSURED TRUST                             1995                             1996                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6415(1)                                                  $  5.3738
                                                          --------  $.4476 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6415(1)   $   .4503(2)   $  1.3509      $  1.3509        $  5.4058
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6415(1)   $   .4518(3)                  $  2.7108        $  5.4248
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * 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.
(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) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--ARIZONA INSURED TRUST
 
    For a  discussion of  the Federal  tax status  of income  earned on  Arizona
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The  assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations issued
by  or  on  behalf  of  the  State  of  Arizona  (the  "State"),  its  political
subdivisions  and authorities (the "Arizona Bonds"), and  by or on behalf of the
government of Puerto  Rico, the  government of Guam,  or the  government of  the
Virgin  Islands (collectively the "Possession  Bonds") (collectively the Arizona
Bonds and Possession Bonds shall be referred to herein as the "Bonds"), provided
the interest on such Bonds is exempt from State income taxes.
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler counsel to the Sponsor, under  existing
law:
 
        For  Arizona income tax purposes, each Unitholder will be treated as the
    owner of a pro rata portion of the Arizona Insured Trust, and the income  of
    the  Trust therefore will be  treated as the income  of the Unitholder under
    State law.
 
        For Arizona  income  tax  purposes,  interest  on  the  Bonds  which  is
    excludable from Federal gross income and which is exempt from Arizona income
    taxes  when  received  by the  Arizona  Insured  Trust, and  which  would be
    excludable from Federal gross income and exempt from Arizona income taxes if
    received directly  by a  Unitholder, will  retain its  status as  tax-exempt
    interest  when received by the Arizona  Insured Trust and distributed to the
    Unitholders.
 
        To the extent that interest derived from the Arizona Insured Trust by  a
    Unitholder  with  respect  to the  Bonds  is excludable  from  Federal gross
    income, such interest will not be subject to Arizona income taxes.
 
        Each Unitholder will receive taxable gain or loss for Arizona income tax
    purposes when Bonds held in the  Arizona Insured Trust are sold,  exchanged,
    redeemed or paid at maturity, or when the Unitholder redeems or sells Units,
    at  a price that differs from original  cost as adjusted for amortization of
    Bond discount or premium  and other basis  adjustments, including any  basis
    reduction  that may be required to reflect a Unitholder's share of interest,
    if   any,   accruing   on   Bonds   during   the   interval   between    the
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    Unitholder's  settlement date and  the date such Bonds  are delivered to the
    Arizona Insured Trust, if later.
 
        Amounts paid by the Insurer under an insurance policy or policies issued
    to the Trust, if any, with respect to the Bonds in the Trust which represent
    maturing interest  on defaulted  obligations  held by  the Trustee  will  be
    exempt  from State income taxes if, and to the same extent as, such interest
    would have been so exempt if paid by the issuer of the defaulted obligations
    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.
 
        Arizona law does not permit a deduction for interest paid or incurred on
    indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units in the Arizona
    Insured Trust, the interest on which is exempt from Arizona income taxes.
 
        Neither the Bonds  nor the  Units will  be subject  to Arizona  property
    taxes, sales tax or use tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--ARIZONA
 
    GENERAL  ECONOMIC  CONDITIONS.   The following  brief summary  regarding the
economy of  Arizona is  based  upon information  drawn from  publicly  available
sources  and  is included  for the  purpose of  providing the  information about
general economic conditions that  may or may not  affect issuers of the  Arizona
Bonds.  The  Sponsor  has  not independently  verified  any  of  the information
contained in such publicly available documents.
 
    Arizona is the nation's sixth largest state in terms of area. Arizona's main
economic/ employment sectors include services, tourism and manufacturing. Mining
and agriculture are also significant, although they tend to be more capital than
labor intensive. Services is the single  largest economic sector. Many of  these
jobs are directly related to tourism.
 
    The  unemployment rate in  Arizona for 1993  was 6.2% and  for 1992 was 7.4%
compared to a national rate of 6.8% in 1993 and 7.4% in 1992. Job growth may  be
adversely affected by the closing of a major air force base near Phoenix and the
bankruptcy of several major employers, including America West Airlines.
 
    In 1986, the value of Arizona real estate began a steady decline, reflecting
a  market  which had  been overbuilt  in  the previous  decade with  a resulting
surplus of  completed  inventory.  This  decline  adversely  affected  both  the
construction  industry  and  those  Arizona  financial  institutions  which  had
aggressively pursued many  facets of real  estate lending. In  the near  future,
Arizona's  financial institutions are likely  to continue to experience problems
until the  excess  inventories  of commercial  and  residential  properties  are
absorbed.  The problems  of the  financial institutions  have adversely affected
employment and economic  activity. Longer-term prospects  are brighter.  Arizona
has  been, and is projected to continue to  be, one of the fastest growing areas
in the United States. Over the last several decades the State has outpaced  most
other  regions  of the  country  in virtually  every  major category  of growth,
including population, personal income, gross state product and job creation.
 
    BUDGETARY PROCESS.  Arizona operates on  a fiscal year beginning July 1  and
ending June 30. Fiscal year 1995 refers to the year ending June 30, 1995.
 
    Total  General Fund revenues of $4.3 billion are expected during fiscal year
1995. Approximately 44.5%  of this  budgeted revenue  comes from  sales and  use
taxes,  44.4% from  income taxes (both  individual and corporate)  and 4.4% from
property taxes. All taxes  total approximately $4.0 billion,  or 93% of  General
Fund  revenues. Non-tax  revenue includes  items such  as income  from the state
lottery, licenses, fees and permits, and interest.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    For fiscal year 1994,  the budget called  for expenditures of  approximately
$4.1  billion.  These expenditures  fell  into the  following  major categories:
education (47.4%), health  and welfare  (26.3%), protection  and safety  (4.0%),
general  government (15.5%)  and inspection  and regulation,  natural resources,
transportation and  other  (6.8%). The  State's  general fund  expenditures  for
fiscal year 1995 are budgeted at approximately $4.7 billion.
 
    Most  or all of  the Bonds of the  Arizona Trust are  not obligations of the
State of  Arizona, and  are not  supported  by the  State's taxing  powers.  The
particular  source of payment and security for  each of the Bonds is detailed in
the instruments themselves and  in related offering materials.  There can be  no
assurances,  however, with respect to whether  the market value or marketability
of any of the Bonds issued by an entity other than the State of Arizona will  be
affected  by the  financial or  other condition  of the  State or  of any entity
located within the  State. In addition,  it should  be noted that  the State  of
Arizona,  as well as counties,  municipalities, political subdivisions and other
public authorities of the state, are subject to limitations imposed by Arizona's
constitution with respect to ad valorem taxation, bonded indebtedness and  other
matters.  For  example, the  state  legislature cannot  appropriate  revenues in
excess of 7% of the total personal income of the state in any fiscal year. These
limitations may  affect the  ability  of the  issuers  to generate  revenues  to
satisfy their debt obligations.
 
    Although  most of the Bonds in the  Arizona Trust are revenue obligations of
local governments or authorities  in the State, there  can be no assurance  that
the  fiscal and economic conditions referred to above will not affect the market
value or marketability of the Bonds or the ability of the respective obligors to
pay principal of and interest on the Bonds when due.
 
    On July  21,  1994,  the  Arizona Supreme  Court  rendered  its  opinion  in
ROOSEVELT  ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 66, ET AL V.C. DIANNE BISHOP, ET AL
(the "ROOSEVELT OPINION"). In this opinion, the Arizona Supreme Court held  that
the  present statutory  financing scheme  for public  education in  the State of
Arizona does not comply with the Arizona constitution. Subsequently, the Arizona
School Boards Association, with the approval of the appellants and the appellees
to the Roosevelt Opinion, and certain  Arizona school districts, filed with  the
Arizona  Supreme  Court  motions  for clarification  of  the  Roosevelt Opinion,
specifically with respect  to seeking prospective  application of the  Roosevelt
Opinion.  On July  29, 1994, the  Arizona Supreme Court  clarified the Roosevelt
Opinion to hold that such opinion will have prospective effect only.
 
    Certain other circumstances are relevant to the market value,  marketability
and  payment of any hospital and health care revenue bonds in the Arizona Trust.
The Arizona Legislature has in the past sought to enact health care cost control
legislation. Certain  other health  care  regulatory laws  have expired.  It  is
expected  that  the  Arizona legislature  will  at future  sessions  continue to
attempt to adopt  legislation concerning  health care cost  control and  related
regulatory  matters.  The effect  of any  such legislation  or of  the continued
absence of any legislation restricting  hospital bed increases and limiting  new
hospital  construction on the ability of Arizona hospitals and other health care
providers to pay  debt service on  their revenue bonds  cannot be determined  at
this time.
 
    Arizona does not participate in the federally administered Medicaid program.
Instead,  the State administers  an alternative program,  AHCCCS, which provides
health  care  to   indigent  persons  meeting   certain  financial   eligibility
requirements,  through managed  care programs. In  fiscal year  1994, AHCCCS was
financed approximately 60%  by federal  funds, 29% by  state funds,  and 11%  by
county funds.
 
    Under  state  law,  hospitals  retain  the  authority  to  raise  rates with
notification and review  by, but  not approval  from, the  Department of  Health
Services.  Hospitals in  Arizona have  experienced profitability  problems along
with those in other states. At least two Phoenix
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
based hospitals have defaulted on or reported difficulties in meeting their bond
obligations during the past three years.
 
    Insofar as tax-exempt Arizona public utility pollution control revenue bonds
are concerned, the issuance of such bonds and the periodic rate increases needed
to cover  operating costs  and debt  service are  subject to  regulation by  the
Arizona  Corporation Commission, the  only significant exception  being the Salt
River Project Agricultural Improvement  and Power District  which, as a  Federal
instrumentality,  is  exempt from  rate regulation.  On  July 15,  1991, several
creditors of Tucson Electric Power Company ("Tucson Electric") filed involuntary
petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to force Tucson Power  to
reorganize  under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. On December 31, 1991,
the Bankruptcy Court approved the utility's motion to dismiss the July  petition
after  five months of negotiations between  Tucson Electric and its creditors to
restructure the utility's debts and other obligations. In December 1992,  Tucson
Electric announced that it had completed its financial restructuring. In January
1993,  Tucson  Electric  asked the  Arizona  Corporation Commission  for  a 9.3%
average rate increase. Tucson  Electric serves approximately 270,000  customers,
primarily  in  the Tucson  area. Inability  of any  regulated public  utility to
secure necessary rate  increases could  adversely affect,  to an  indeterminable
extent, its ability to pay debt service on its pollution control revenue bonds.
 
    Based  on a recent  U.S. Supreme Court  ruling, the State  has determined to
refund $197  million,  including  statutory  interest,  in  State  income  taxes
previously  collected from Federal retirees on their pensions. This payment will
be made over a  four-year period beginning with  approximately $14.6 million  in
tax refunds in fiscal year 1993-94. A combination of tax refunds and tax credits
will be used to satisfy this liability.
 
ARIZONA 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 1995 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.  For
cases  in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket, the
highest state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined  state
and  Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments are
currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      18.0   %     5.79    6.10    6.40    6.71    7.01    7.32    7.62    7.93
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      31.0         6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         6.99    7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      34.5         7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
                 114.7-172.1      35.5         7.36    7.75    8.14    8.53    8.91    9.30    9.69   10.08
                 172.1-294.6      38.0         7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      40.5         7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92
                 172.1-294.6      43.0         8.33    8.77    9.21    9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40
                  Over 294.6      40.5   2     7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      47.0         8.96    9.43    9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26
                  Over 294.6      44.0   3     8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      18.0   %     5.79    6.10    6.40    6.71    7.01    7.32    7.62    7.93
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      31.5         6.93    7.30    7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76    9.12    9.49
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      34.5         7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
                 114.7-237.2      36.0         7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      41.5         8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
                  Over 237.2      40.5   2     7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      44.0   3     8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61
<FN>
------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled  to
four  personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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
CDs  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 CDs 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 Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
AUGUST 18, 1995
ARIZONA INSURED TRUST 41
(SERIES 819)
    
 
   
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   250,000      City of Casa Grande, Arizona, Excise Tax            2005 at 100        AAA         Aaa     $       255,425
                   Revenue Obligations, Series 1995, 6.20% Due
                   4/1/15.
    250,000      Humboldt Unified School District No. 22 of          2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa             249,375
                   Yavapai County, Arizona, School Improvement
                   Bonds, Project of 1995, Series A (1995),
                   5.95% Due 7/1/14. (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000     * The Industrial Development Authority of the        2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa             462,500
                   County of Maricopa, Arizona, Baptist Hospital
                   System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1995,
                   5.50% Due 9/1/16. (Original issue discount
                   bonds will be delivered on or about August
                   31, 1995 at a price of 92.392% of principal
                   amount.)(When issued.)
    500,000      Kyrene Elementary School District No. 28 of         2004 at 100        AAA         Aaa             503,370
                   Maricopa County, Arizona, School Improvement
                   Bonds, Project of 1993, Series B (1995),
                   6.00% Due 7/1/14. (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Navajo County, Arizona, Pollution Control           2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             484,090
                   Corporation, Pollution Control Revenue
                   Refunding Bonds (Arizona Public Service
                   Company), 1993 Series A, 5.875% Due 8/15/28.
    500,000      City of Phoenix (Arizona), Civic Improvement        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             459,455
                   Corporation, Junior Lien Water System Revenue
                   Bonds, Series 1994, 5.50% Due 7/1/24.
    500,000      University Medical Center Corporation (Tucson,      2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             425,975
                   Arizona), Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                   Series 1993, 5.00% Due 7/1/21. (Original
                   issue discount bonds delivered on or about
                   June 8, 1993 at a price of 90.122% of
                   principal amount.)
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2005 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             455,420
                   Bonds of 1995 (General Obligation Bonds.),
                   5.375% Due 7/1/22. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about May 4, 1995 at a
                   price of 93.916% of principal amount.)
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,295,610
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 43.
 
   
* These Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the  normal
  settlement  date. Their expected  delivery date is  August 31, 1995. Contracts
  relating to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement  for
  purchase  made  on the  Date of  Deposit constitute  approximately 14%  of the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
   
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 215
    
   
    The  Portfolio of Florida Insured Trust 215 consists of 6 obligations issued
by entities located in Florida and one obligation issued by an entity located in
the Territory of Puerto Rico. Two Bonds in the Trust are general obligations  of
the  governmental  entities issuing  them and  are backed  by the  taxing powers
thereof. Five Bonds in the Trust 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 these Bonds are divided
as follows: Dedicated-Tax  Supported Revenue, 2;  Electrical System Revenue,  1;
Health Care Facility Revenue, 1; Water and/or Sewer Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds
in the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of  Deposit, the average  maturity of the  Bonds in the Florida
Insured Trust is 28.1  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  14.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 13.8% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations supported by tax revenues specifically pledged  to
secure the obligations.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between August  16,
1995 and August 17, 1995. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,282,030       $8,690            $198,625      $3,273,220                 .50%
</TABLE>
    
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. 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.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Florida Insured Trust,  less estimated expenses, is  estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01521 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01515 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01506
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. 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.
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
    Details of  interest distributions  per Unit  of the  Florida Insured  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
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST                             1995                             1996                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6475(1)                                                  $  5.4250
                                                          --------  $.4518 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6475(1)   $   .4545(2)   $  1.3635      $  1.3635        $  5.4570
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6475(1)   $   .4563(3)                  $  2.7378        $  5.4760
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * 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.
(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) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--FLORIDA INSURED TRUST
 
    For a  discussion of  the Federal  tax status  of income  earned on  Florida
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The assets of the Florida Insured Trust (the "Trust") will consist solely of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Florida, its
political  subdivisions and authorities  or by the  Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa,  or the Northern Mariana Islands  (the
"Florida Bonds").
 
    In  the opinion  of Carlton, Fields,  Ward, Emmanuel, Smith  & Cutler, P.A.,
special counsel for the Trust for Florida tax matters, under existing law:
 
        For Florida state income tax purposes, the Trust will not be subject  to
    the  Florida income tax imposed by the Florida Code so long as the Trust has
    no income subject to federal  taxation. In addition, political  subdivisions
    of Florida do not impose any income taxes.
 
        Because   Florida  does  not  impose   an  income  tax  on  individuals,
    non-corporate Unitholders will not be subject  to any Florida income tax  on
    income  realized by the Trust. Each  corporate Unitholder will be subject to
    Florida income taxation  on its share  of the income  realized by the  Trust
    notwithstanding  the tax  exempt status  of the  interest received  from any
    bonds under Section 103(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other
    federal law,  unless the  interest  income constitutes  nonbusiness  income.
    Nevertheless,  any corporate Unitholder that  has its commercial domicile in
    Florida will be taxable  under the Florida  Code on its  share of the  Trust
    income which constitutes nonbusiness income.
 
        Trust  Units will  be subject  to Florida  estate tax  only if  owned by
    Florida residents,  certain natural  persons not  domiciled in  Florida,  or
    certain  natural persons  not residents of  the United  States. However, the
    Florida estate tax is  limited to the amount  of the credit allowable  under
    the  applicable Federal  Revenue Act  (currently Section  2011 (and  in some
    cases Section 2102) of  the Internal Revenue Code  of 1986, as amended)  for
    death taxes actually paid to the several states.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
        Neither  the Florida Bonds nor the Units  will be subject to the Florida
    ad valorem property tax or Florida sales or use tax.
 
        Because  Bonds  issued  by  the  State  of  Florida  or  its   political
    subdivisions  or  by  the  Commonwealth of  Puerto  Rico,  Guam,  the Virgin
    Islands, American Samoa  and the  Northern Mariana Islands  are exempt  from
    Florida  intangible personal  property taxation  under Chapter  199, Florida
    Statutes, as amended, the  Trust will not be  subject to Florida  intangible
    personal  property tax. In addition, the  Unitholders will not be subject to
    Florida intangible personal property tax on the Units.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--FLORIDA
 
    POPULATION.  In  1980, Florida was  the seventh most  populous state in  the
U.S.  The State has grown dramatically since then and as of April 1, 1993, ranks
fourth with an estimated  population of 13.6  million. Florida's attraction,  as
both a growth and retirement state, has kept net migration fairly steady with an
average of 292,988 new residents a year from 1983 through 1993. The U.S. average
population  increase since  1982 is about  1% annually,  while Florida's average
annual rate  of increase  is about  2.5%. Florida  continues to  be the  fastest
growing  of the ten largest states. This  strong population growth is one reason
the State's economy is performing better than the nation as a whole. In addition
to attracting senior citizens to Florida as a place for retirement, the State is
also recognized as attracting a  significant number of working age  individuals.
Since  1983, the prime  working age population  (18-44) has grown  at an average
annual rate of 2.6%. The share of Florida's total working age population (18-59)
to total State population  is approximately 54%. This  share is not expected  to
change appreciably into the twenty-first century.
 
    INCOME.   The  State's personal  income has  been growing  strongly the last
several years and has generally  outperformed both the U.S.  as a whole and  the
southeast  in particular, according  to the U.S. Department  of Commerce and the
Florida Consensus  Economic Estimating  Conference.  This is  because  Florida's
population  has been growing at a very  strong pace and, since the early 1970's,
the State's economy has diversified so as to provide a broader economic base. As
a result, Florida's real per capita personal income has tracked closely with the
national average and has  tracked above the southeast.  From 1984 through  1993,
the  State's real per capita  income rose at an average  of 5.4% per year, while
the national real per capita income increased at an average of 5.5% per year.
 
    Because Florida  has a  proportionately greater  retirement age  population,
property  income (dividends, interest,  and rent) and  transfer payments (Social
Security and pension  benefits, among  other sources of  income) are  relatively
more  important  sources  of  income. For  example,  Florida's  total  wages and
salaries and other labor income in 1993 was 62% of total personal income,  while
a  similar figure for the  nation was 72%. Transfer  payments are typically less
sensitive to the business  cycle than employment income  and, therefore, act  as
stabilizing forces in weak economic periods.
 
    The State's per capita personal income in 1993 of $20,857 was slightly above
the  national  average  of  $20,817  and significantly  ahead  of  that  for the
southeast United States, which was $18,753. Real personal income in the State is
estimated to  increase 4.5%  in  1994-95 and  4.2% in  1995-96.  By the  end  of
1995-96,  real personal income per  capita in the State  is projected to average
4.5% higher than its 1993-94 level.
 
    EMPLOYMENT.  Since 1980, the State's  job creation rate is almost twice  the
rate for the nation as a whole, and its growth rate in new non-agricultural jobs
is  the fastest of the 11 most populous states, second only to California in the
absolute number of new jobs created.  Contributing to the State's rapid rate  of
growth  in employment and income is international trade. Since 1980, the State's
unemployment rate has  generally been below  that of the  U.S. In recent  years,
however,  as the State's economic growth has slowed from its previous highs, the
State's unemployment rate has  tracked above the  national average. The  average
rate in
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
Florida  since 1980 has been 6.5% while  the national average is 7.1%. According
to the  U.S.  Department  of  Commerce, the  Florida  Department  of  Labor  and
Employment  Security, and  the Florida Consensus  Economic Estimating Conference
(together, the "Organization"),  the State's unemployment  rate was 8.2%  during
1992.  As of January 1994, the Organization estimates that the unemployment rate
will be 6.1% for 1994-95 and 6.1% in 1995-96.
 
    The rate of job creation in Florida's manufacturing sector has exceeded that
of the U.S. From the beginning of 1980 through 1993, the State added over 50,000
new manufacturing  jobs, an  11.7% increase.  During the  same period,  national
manufacturing  employment declined ten out of the  fourteen years, for a loss of
2,977,000 jobs.
 
    Total non-farm employment in Florida is expected to increase 3.6% in 1994-95
and rise  3.3%  in 1995-96.  Trade  and services,  the  two largest  sources  of
employment  in  the State,  account for  more  than half  of the  total non-farm
employment. Employment in the service  sectors should experience an increase  of
5.4%  in 1994-95 while growing 4.7% in 1995-96. Trade is expected to expand 3.1%
in 1995  and  3.2% in  1996.  The service  sector  is now  the  State's  largest
employment category.
 
    CONSTRUCTION.   The State's economy has in the past been highly dependent on
the  construction  industry   and  construction   related  manufacturing.   This
dependency  has declined in recent  years and continues to do  so as a result of
continued diversification of the  State's economy. For  example, in 1980,  total
contract  construction employment  as a share  of total  non-farm employment was
just over 7.0%, and in  1993 the share had edged  downward to 5%. This trend  is
expected  to continue  as the State's  economy continues  to diversify. Florida,
nevertheless, has a dynamic construction industry, with single and  multi-family
housing  starts accounting for 8.5%  of total U.S. housing  starts in 1993 while
the State's population is 5.3% of  the U.S. total population. Florida's  housing
starts  since 1980  have represented  an average  of 11.0%  of the  U.S.'s total
annual starts, and  since 1980,  total housing  starts have  averaged 156,450  a
year.
 
    A  driving  force  behind the  State's  construction industry  has  been the
State's rapid rate  of population growth.  Although the State  currently is  the
fourth  most populous  state, its annual  population growth is  now projected to
decline as the number of people moving into the State is expected to hover  near
the  mid 250,000  range annually  throughout the  1990's. This  population trend
should provide fuel for business and home builders to keep construction activity
lively in Florida for some time to come. However, other factors do influence the
level of construction in the State. For example, federal tax reform in 1986  and
other  changes to the federal income tax code have eliminated tax deductions for
owners of more than two residential  real estate properties and have  lengthened
depreciation  schedules on investment and commercial properties. Economic growth
and existing supplies  of homes  also contribute  to the  level of  construction
activity in the State.
 
    Single  and multi-family housing starts in  1994-95 are projected to reach a
combined  level  of  118,000,  increasing   to  124,100  next  year.   Lingering
recessionary  effects on consumers and tight credit  are some of the reasons for
relatively slow core construction  activity, as well  as lingering effects  from
the 1986 tax reform legislation discussed above. Total construction expenditures
are forecasted to increase 6.6% this year and increase 7.5% next year.
 
    The   State  has  continuously   been  dependent  on   the  highly  cyclical
construction and  construction  related  manufacturing  industries.  While  that
dependency  has  decreased, the  State is  still  somewhat at  the mercy  of the
construction and construction related manufacturing industries. The construction
industry is driven to a great extent by the State's rapid growth in  population.
There  can be no  assurance that population growth  will continue throughout the
1990's in which case  there could be  an adverse impact  on the State's  economy
through  the loss of  construction and construction  related manufacturing jobs.
Also, recent increases  in interest rates  could significantly adversely  impact
the financing of new
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
construction  within  the State,  thereby  adversely impacting  unemployment and
other economic  factors  within the  State.  In addition,  available  commercial
office  space has tended to remain high over the past few years. So long as this
glut of commercial rental  space continues, construction of  this type of  space
will likely continue to remain slow.
 
    TOURISM.    Tourism  is  one  of  the  State's  most  important  industries.
Approximately 41.1 million tourists  visited the State in  1993, as reported  by
the  Florida Department of  Commerce. In terms of  business activities and State
tax revenues, tourists in Florida in  1993 represented an estimated 4.5  million
additional  residents. Visitors to the  State tend to arrive  equally by air and
car. The State's tourism industry over the years has become more  sophisticated,
attracting  visitors  year-round and,  to  a degree,  reducing  its seasonality.
Tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 5.0% this year, and 3.4% next year.
Tourist arrivals to Florida by  air are expected to  increase by 9.2% this  year
and  2.9% next year, while arrivals by car  are expected to rise 0.7% in 1994-95
and 4.0% in 1995-96. By the end of the State's current fiscal year, 42.1 million
domestic and international tourists are expected  to have visited the State.  In
1995-96 tourist arrivals should approximate 43.6 million.
 
    REVENUES  AND EXPENSES.  Estimated fiscal  year 1994-95 General Revenue plus
Working Capital  and Budget  Stabilization funds  available to  the State  total
$14,624.4  million, a  5.7% increase over  1993-94. This reflects  a transfer of
$159.0 million in non-recurring revenue due to Hurricane Andrew, to a  hurricane
relief  trust fund. Of the total General Revenue plus Working Capital and Budget
Stabilization funds  available  to  the  State, $13,858.4  million  of  that  is
Estimated  Revenues (excluding the Hurricane Andrew impact), which represents an
increase of 7.9%  over the  previous year's Estimated  Revenues. With  effective
General   Revenues   plus  Working   Capital   Fund  and   Budget  Stabilization
appropriations at $14,311.1 million, unencumbered reserves at the end of 1994-95
are estimated at $313.3 million.  Estimated fiscal year 1995-96 General  Revenue
plus  Working Capital and  Budget Stabilization funds  available total $15,145.9
million, a  3.6%  increase over  1994-95.  The $14,647.2  million  in  Estimated
Revenues  represents  an increase  of 5.7%  over  the previous  year's Estimated
Revenues.
 
    In fiscal  year  1993-94, approximately  66%  of the  State's  total  direct
revenue to its three operating funds was derived from State taxes and fees, with
Federal grants and other special revenue accounting for the balance. State sales
and use tax, corporate income tax, intangible personal property tax and beverage
tax amounted to 66%, 8%, 4% and 4%, respectively, of total General Revenue Funds
available  during fiscal 1993-94. In that same year, expenditures for education,
health and welfare, and  public safety amounted to  approximately 49%, 32%,  and
12%, respectively, of total expenditures from the General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State's sales and use tax (6%) currently accounts for the State's single
largest  source of tax receipts. Sightly less  than 10% of the State's sales and
use tax is designated for local governments and is distributed to the respective
counties in which  collected for  use by  the counties,  and the  municipalities
therein.  In addition  to this  distribution, local  governments may  assess (by
referendum) a 0.5%  or a 1.0%  discretionary sales surtax  within their  county.
Proceeds  from  this local  option  sales tax  are  earmarked for  funding local
infrastructure programs and acquiring land for public recreation or conservation
or protection of  natural resources  as provided under  applicable Florida  law.
Certain   charter   counties   have   other   additional   taxing   powers,  and
non-consolidated counties with  a population  in excess  of 800,000  may levy  a
local option sales tax to fund indigent health care. It alone cannot exceed 0.5%
and  when combined  with the infrastructure  surtax cannot exceed  1.0%. For the
fiscal year ended June 30,  1994, sales and use  tax receipts (exclusive of  the
tax  on gasoline and  special fuels) totalled $10,012.5  million, an increase of
6.9% over fiscal year 1992-93.
 
    The second largest source of State tax  receipts is the tax on motor  fuels.
However,  these revenues are almost entirely  dedicated trust funds for specific
purposes and are not included in the State's General Revenue Fund.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    The State imposes an alcoholic beverage wholesale tax (excise tax) on  beer,
wine,  and  liquor. This  tax  is one  of the  State's  major tax  sources, with
revenues totalling $439.8 million in fiscal year ending June 30, 1994. Alcoholic
beverage tax receipts decreased about 1.0%  from the previous year's total.  The
revenues  collected from this tax are deposited into the State's General Revenue
Fund.
 
    The State imposes  a corporate  income tax.  All receipts  of the  corporate
income  tax are credited to the General  Revenue Fund. For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1994, receipts from this  source were $1,047.4 million, an increase  of
23.7% from fiscal year 1992-93.
 
    The  State  imposes a  documentary stamp  tax on  deeds and  other documents
relating to  realty,  corporate  shares, bonds,  certificates  of  indebtedness,
promissory  notes, wage assignments, and retail charge accounts. The documentary
stamp tax  collections totalled  $775.0 million  during fiscal  year 1993-94,  a
21.3%  increase from the previous fiscal year. Beginning in fiscal year 1992-93,
71.29% of these taxes is to be deposited to the General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State  imposes  a gross  receipts  tax  on electric,  natural  gas,  and
telecommunications  services. All  gross receipts utilities  tax collections are
credited to the State's Public Education  Capital Outlay and Debt Service  Trust
Fund. In fiscal year 1993-94, this amounted to $459.4 million.
 
    The  State imposes  an intangible  personal property  tax on  stocks, bonds,
including bonds secured by liens  in Florida real property, notes,  governmental
leaseholds,  and certain other intangibles not secured by a lien on Florida real
property. The  annual  rate  of  tax  is  2  mils.  The  State  also  imposes  a
non-recurring  2 mil tax on mortgages and  other obligations secured by liens on
Florida real  property.  In  fiscal  year  1993-94,  total  intangible  personal
property  tax collections  were $836.0 million,  a 6.7% increase  over the prior
year. Of the tax proceeds, 66.5% is distributed to the General Revenue Fund.
 
    The State's severance tax taxes oil, gas and sulphur production, as well  as
the severance of phosphate rock and other solid minerals. Total collections from
severance  taxes total $54.8 million during fiscal year 1993-94, down 15.0% from
the previous year. Currently  60% of this amount  is transferred to the  General
Revenue Fund.
 
    The  State began its  own lottery in  1988. State law  requires that lottery
revenues be  distributed  50.0%  to the  public  in  prizes, 38.0%  for  use  in
enhancing  education, and  the balance,  12.0%, for  costs of  administering the
lottery. Fiscal  year  1993-94  lottery ticket  sales  totalled  $2.15  billion,
providing education with approximately $816.2 million.
 
    DEBT-BALANCED  BUDGET REQUIREMENT.  At the end of fiscal 1993, approximately
$5.61 billion in principal amount of debt  secured by the full faith and  credit
of  the State was outstanding. In addition, since July 1, 1993, the State issued
about $1.36 billion in principal amount of full faith and credit bonds.
 
    The State Constitution  and statutes  mandate that  the State  budget, as  a
whole,  and each separate fund within the  State budget, be kept in balance from
currently available revenues each  fiscal year. If  the Governor or  Comptroller
believe  a deficit will occur in any State fund, by statute, he must certify his
opinion to the Administrative Commission, which then is authorized to reduce all
State agency budgets and releases by a sufficient amount to prevent a deficit in
any fund.  Additionally,  the State  Constitution  prohibits issuance  of  State
obligations to fund State operations.
 
    LITIGATION.  Currently under litigation are several issues relating to State
actions  or State taxes that put at  risk substantial amounts of General Revenue
Fund monies.  Accordingly, there  is  no assurance  that  any of  such  matters,
individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on the
State's financial position.
 
    Florida  law provides preferential tax treatment  to insurers who maintain a
home office in the State.  Certain insurers challenged the constitutionality  of
this tax preference and
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
sought  a refund  of taxes  paid. Recently, the  Florida Supreme  Court ruled in
favor of the  State. This  case and others,  along with  pending refund  claims,
total about $150 million.
 
    Previously  the State imposed a $295 fee  on the issuance of certificates of
title for motor vehicles  previously titled outside  the State. Plaintiffs  sued
the  State  alleging that  this fee  violated  the Commerce  Clause of  the U.S.
Constitution. The Circuit  Court in  which the  case was  filed granted  summary
judgment  for the plaintiffs, enjoined further  collection of the impact fee and
ordered refunds to all those who have  paid the fee since the collection of  the
fee  went into effect. In the State's  appeal of the lower Court's decision, the
Florida Supreme  Court  ruled  that  this fee  was  unconstitutional  under  the
Commerce  Clause.  Thus,  the Supreme  Court  approved the  lower  court's order
enjoining further collection of the fee  and requiring refund of the  previously
collected  fees. The refund  exposure of the  State has been  estimated to be in
excess of $100 million.
 
    The State maintains a bond rating of Aa, AA, and AA from Moody's, Standard &
Poor's, and  Fitch, respectively,  on  the majority  of its  general  obligation
bonds,  although  the rating  of a  particular series  of revenue  bonds relates
primarily to the  project, facility,  or other  revenue source  from which  such
series  derives  funds  for  repayment.  While these  ratings  and  some  of the
information presented above indicate that the State is in satisfactory  economic
health,  there can be no assurance that there  will not be a decline in economic
conditions or that particular Bonds purchased by the Trust will not be adversely
affected by any such changes.
 
    The sources for the information presented above include official  statements
and  financial statements  of the  State of Florida.  While the  Sponsor has not
independently verified this information,  it has no reason  to believe that  the
information is not correct in all material respects.
 
FLORIDA 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  published  1995  marginal  Federal  tax  rates.  The  tables  incorporate
increased tax  rates  for higher-income  taxpayers  that were  included  in  the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. 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.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      28.0         6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68
                 114.7-172.1      29.0         6.34    6.69    7.04    7.39    7.75    8.10    8.45    8.80
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      31.0         6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         6.62    6.99    7.35    7.72    8.09    8.46    8.82    9.19
                 172.1-294.6      34.5         6.87    7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      37.0         7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
                 172.1-294.6      40.0         7.50    7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42
                  Over 294.6      37.0   2     7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      44.0         8.04    8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16
                  Over 294.6      41.0   3     7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47    6.76    7.06    7.35
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      28.0         6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64    7.99    8.33    8.68
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      31.0         6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06
                 114.7-237.2      32.5         6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      38.0         7.26    7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08
                  Over 237.2      37.0   2     7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      41.0   3     7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59
<FN>
------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled  to
four  personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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
CDs  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 CDs 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 Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
AUGUST 18, 1995
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 215
(SERIES 819)
    
 
   
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      State of Florida, State Board of Education,         2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       496,585
                   Public Education Capital Outlay Bonds, 1993
                   Series F, 6.10% Due 6/1/24. (General
                   Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Orange County (Florida), Health Facilities          2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             469,380
                   Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1995 (Adventist Health System/Sunbelt
                   Obligated Group), 5.75% Due 11/15/25.
    500,000      Orange County, Florida, Tourist Development Tax     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             493,185
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, 6.00% Due
                   10/1/24.
    500,000      City of Palm Bay, Florida, Utility System           2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             428,160
                   Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1994 (Palm
                   Bay Utility Corporation Project), 5.00% Due
                   10/1/19.
    500,000      Tampa Sports Authority, Special Purpose Bonds,      2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             498,230
                   1995 Hillsborough County, Florida, Interlocal
                   Agreement Revenue Series (Tampa Bay Arena
                   Project), 6.125% Due 10/1/26.
    500,000      City of Vero Beach, Florida, Electric Refunding     2003 at 101        AAA         Aaa             449,760
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.375% Due
                   12/1/21.
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2005 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             455,420
                   Bonds of 1995 (General Obligation Bonds.),
                   5.375% Due 7/1/22. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about May 4, 1995 at a
                   price of 93.916% of principal amount.)
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,290,720
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 43.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
   
GEORGIA INSURED TRUST 46
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Georgia Insured Trust  46 consists of 6 obligations issued
by entities located in Georgia and one obligation issued by an entity located in
the Territory of Puerto Rico. Three  Bonds in the Trust are general  obligations
of  the governmental entities issuing  them and are backed  by the taxing powers
thereof. Four Bonds in the Trust 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 these Bonds are divided
as follows: Dedicated-Tax  Supported Revenue, 1;  Electrical System Revenue,  1;
Health Care Facility Revenue, 1; Water and/or Sewer Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds
in the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of  Deposit, the average  maturity of the  Bonds in the Georgia
Insured Trust is 24.0  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  14.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 13.7% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between August  16,
1995 and August 17, 1995. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,298,363       $14,932           $200,000      $3,296,420                 .48%
</TABLE>
    
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. 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.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Georgia Insured Trust,  less estimated expenses, is  estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01533 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01527 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01518
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. 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.
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
    Details of  interest distributions  per Unit  of the  Georgia Insured  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
GEORGIA INSURED TRUST                             1995                             1996                  PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6527(1)                                                  $  5.4679
                                                          --------  $.4554 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6527(1)   $   .4581(2)   $  1.3743      $  1.3743        $  5.4999
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6527(1)   $   .4599(3)                  $  2.7594        $  5.5189
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * 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.
(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) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
    
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--GEORGIA INSURED TRUST
 
    For a  discussion of  the Federal  tax status  of income  earned on  Georgia
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In  the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, counsel to the Sponsor under existing
law:
 
        For Georgia income  tax purposes, the  Georgia Insured Trust  is not  an
    association  taxable as a corporation, and the income of the Georgia Insured
    Trust will be  treated as  the income of  the Unitholders.  Interest on  the
    Georgia  Bonds which is exempt from Georgia  income tax when received by the
    Georgia Insured Trust, and which would be exempt from Georgia income tax  if
    received  directly by  a Unitholder,  will retain  its status  as tax-exempt
    interest when distributed by the Georgia  Insured Trust and received by  the
    Unitholders.
 
        If  the Trustee disposes  of a Georgia Bond  (whether by sale, exchange,
    payment on maturity, retirement or otherwise) or if a Unitholder redeems  or
    sells  his  Unit, the  Unitholder will  recognize gain  or loss  for Georgia
    income tax purposes to the same extent that gain or loss would be recognized
    for federal income tax purposes (except in the case of Georgia Bonds  issued
    before  March  11, 1987  issued with  original issue  discount owned  by the
    Georgia Insured Trust  in which  case gain or  loss for  Georgia income  tax
    purposes  would be determined by accruing  said original issue discount on a
    ratable basis). Due  to the  amortization of  bond premium  and other  basis
    adjustments  required by the Internal Revenue Code, a Unitholder, under some
    circumstances, may realize taxable  gain when his or  her Units are sold  or
    redeemed for an amount equal to their original cost.
 
        Because  obligations  or evidences  of  debt of  Georgia,  its political
    subdivisions and public institutions and  bonds issued by the Government  of
    Puerto  Rico are exempt  from the Georgia  intangible personal property tax,
    the Trust will  not be subject  to such tax  as the result  of holding  such
    obligations, evidences of debt or bonds. Although there
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    currently  is no published  administrative interpretation or  opinion of the
    Attorney General of  Georgia dealing with  the status of  bonds issued by  a
    political  subdivision  of Puerto  Rico, we  have in  the past  been advised
    orally by representatives  of the  Georgia Department of  Revenue that  such
    bonds  would also be considered exempt from  such tax. Based on that advice,
    and in  the absence  of  a published  administrative interpretation  to  the
    contrary,  we are of the opinion that the Trust would not be subject to such
    tax as the  result of  holding bonds issued  by a  political subdivision  of
    Puerto Rico.
 
        Amounts paid by the Insurer under an insurance policy or policies issued
    to  the Trust, if any, with respect to  the Georgia Bonds in the Trust which
    represent maturing interest  on defaulted  obligations held  by the  Trustee
    will  be  exempt from  State income  taxes if,  and to  the extent  as, such
    interest would have been so  exempt if paid by  the issuer of the  defaulted
    obligations  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 obligations, rather  than
    the insurer, will pay debt service on the obligations.
 
        We  express no opinion regarding whether  a Unitholder's ownership of an
    interest in the Trust is subject to the Georgia intangible personal property
    tax. Although the  application of the  Georgia intangible personal  property
    tax  to  the  ownership  of  the Units  by  the  Unitholders  is  not clear,
    representatives of  the  Georgia Department  of  Revenue have  in  the  past
    advised  us orally  that, for purposes  of the intangible  property tax, the
    Department considers a Unitholder's ownership of an interest in the Trust as
    a whole  to  be taxable  intangible  property separate  from  any  ownership
    interest in the underlying tax-exempt Georgia Bonds.
 
        Neither the Georgia Bonds nor the Units will be subject to Georgia sales
    or use tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--GEORGIA
 
    The  following brief summary regarding the  economy of Georgia is based upon
information drawn from publicly available  sources and is included for  purposes
of  providing information about general economic  conditions that may or may not
affect issuers of  the Georgia  obligations. The Sponsor  has not  independently
verified any of the information contained in such publicly available documents.
 
    CONSTITUTIONAL   CONSIDERATIONS.    The  Georgia  Constitution  permits  the
issuance by  the State  of general  obligation debt  and of  certain  guaranteed
revenue  debt. The State  may incur guaranteed revenue  debt by guaranteeing the
payment of  certain revenue  obligations  issued by  an instrumentality  of  the
State.   The  Georgia  Constitution  prohibits  the  incurring  of  any  general
obligation debt or guaranteed revenue debt if the highest aggregate annual  debt
service  requirement for the then current year or any subsequent fiscal year for
outstanding general obligation debt and  guaranteed revenue debt, including  the
proposed debt, exceed 10 percent of the total revenue receipts, less refunds, of
the  State treasury in the  fiscal year immediately preceding  the year in which
any such debt is to be incurred.
 
    The Georgia Constitution  also permits  the State  to incur  public debt  to
supply a temporary deficit in the State treasury in any fiscal year created by a
delay  in collecting the taxes  of that year. Such debt  must not exceed, in the
aggregate, 5% of the total revenue receipts, less refunds, of the State treasury
in the  fiscal  year  immediately preceding  the  year  in which  such  debt  is
incurred.  The debt  incurred must be  repaid on or  before the last  day of the
fiscal year in  which it  is to be  incurred out  of the taxes  levied for  that
fiscal  year. No such debt may  be incurred in any fiscal  year if there is then
outstanding unpaid debt from any previous
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
fiscal year  which was  incurred to  supply  a temporary  deficit in  the  State
treasury.  No such short-term debt has  been incurred under this provision since
the inception of the constitutional authority referred to in this paragraph.
 
    Virtually all of the  issues of long-term debt  obligations issued by or  on
behalf  of the State of Georgia and counties, municipalities and other political
subdivisions and public authorities thereof are required by law to be  validated
and confirmed in a judicial proceeding prior to issuance. The legal effect of an
approved  validation in Georgia  is to render incontestable  the validity of the
pertinent bond issue and the security therefor.
 
    THE STATE AND ITS ECONOMY.   The State operates  on a fiscal year  beginning
July  1 and ending June 30. Thus, the  1994 fiscal year ended June 30, 1994. The
state's recovery  from the  recent economic  recession has  been steady  and  is
better  than regional trends, albeit half  the rate of earlier recoveries. While
this recovery does not  meet the explosive patterns  set in past cycles,  recent
state  data reveal that Georgia ranks among the top five states in the nation in
employment and total  population growth.  The 1992  annual average  unemployment
rate  for  Georgia was  6.9% as  compared  to the  1992 national  annual average
unemployment rate of 7.4%. The 1993 annual average unemployment rate for Georgia
was 5.7% as compared  to the 1993 national  annual average unemployment rate  of
6.7%. Throughout 1994, the monthly unemployment rate for Georgia (not seasonally
adjusted) has remained below the national average monthly unemployment rate (not
seasonally  adjusted). In December 1994, Georgia's unemployment rate was 4.6% as
compared to  the national  average  unemployment rate  of 5.1%  (not  seasonally
adjusted).
 
    Stronger  economic trends  and conservative revenue  forecasting resulted in
the continuation of improved  financial results for the  fiscal year ended  June
30,  1994. The state's general fund closed fiscal 1994 with a total fund balance
position of $480.6 million, of which $249.5 million was in the revenue shortfall
reserve fund (3% of revenues), marking the second consecutive year of buildup in
that reserve. The midyear adjustment reserve was fully funded at $89.1 million.
 
    The state's  fiscal 1995  adopted budget  called for  an increase  in  state
spending  to $9.8  billion, up  6.5% from the  prior period.  Economic growth is
estimated to be  in the 6%-8%  range for  the second straight  year. The  budget
report  forecasted general fund revenues to grow to $9.4 billion, an increase of
$490.0 million, or 5.5% above actual fiscal 1994 levels. Sales and income  taxes
account  for  the majority  of  that increase,  despite  a $100  million  cut in
personal income taxes.  Additional revenues provided  by lottery proceeds  ($240
million)  and indigent-care  trust fund  monies support  the remaining spending.
Revenues for the first three months of the current year are running nearly  8.4%
above  fiscal 1994 levels. Most of the increase is attributable to the growth in
personal  and  corporate  income  and  sales  taxes.  As  a  result,  the  state
anticipates that fiscal 1995 will once again produce positive financial results.
 
    The  debt burden is low at only $593 per capita, or 3.3% of personal income,
and 5% of expenditures.
 
    In July, 1994, widespread  flooding in central  and southern Georgia  caused
extensive damage and destruction of farmland, private residences, businesses and
local and state government facilities. As of July 12, 1994, Governor Zell Miller
refused  to estimate the dollar  value of the damage  but other sources estimate
that damage could exceed  $300 million. Thirty-one  counties have been  declared
federal  disaster areas. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard and Poor's
Corporation are observing the  situation in Georgia,  but neither rating  agency
has expressed any immediate credit concerns.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    BOND  RATINGS.   Currently,  Moody's Investors  Service, Inc.  rates Georgia
general obligation bonds Aaa and Standard & Poor's Corporation rates such  bonds
AA+.
 
    LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS.  Georgia is involved  in certain legal proceedings that,
if decided against the State, may  require the State to make significant  future
expenditures or may substantially impair revenues.
 
    Three  suits have been filed against the State of Georgia seeking refunds of
liquor taxes under O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-35,  in light of BACCHUS IMPORTS,  LTD.
V.  DIAS,  468 U.S.  263 (1984)  under Georgia's  pre-BACCHUS statute.  In JAMES
B.BEAM DISTILLING CO. V. STATE, 501 U.S. 529 (decided June 20, 1991) the Supreme
Court indicated that  BACCHUS was  retroactive, but  only within  the bounds  of
State  statutes of  limitations and  procedural bars,  and left  State courts to
determine any remedy in light  of reliance interests, equitable  considerations,
and other defenses. Georgia's statute of limitations in O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-35
has  run on all pre-BACCHUS claims for refund except five pending claims seeking
31.7 million dollars in tax plus interest. On remand, the Fulton County Superior
Court has ruled  that procedural  bars and other  defenses bar  any recovery  by
taxpayers  on Beam's claims for refund.  The Georgia Supreme Court has affirmed,
and Beam's  petition to  the United  States Supreme  Court for  a rehearing  was
denied on February 21, 1995.
 
    In  BOARD  OF  PUBLIC  EDUCATION FOR  SAVANNAH/CHATHAM  COUNTY  V.  STATE OF
GEORGIA, the local school board claimed that the State should finance the  major
portion of the costs of its desegregation program. The Savannah Board originally
requested  restitution in  the amount of  $30 million, but  the Federal District
Court set forth a formula which would  require a State payment in the amount  of
approximately  $6 million. Subsequently the parties  agreed to a settlement, the
terms of which have  not been finalized. The  proposed settlement calls for  the
State  to pay approximately $10 million to the school board. A similar complaint
has been filed by  DeKalb County and there  are approximately five other  school
districts  which potentially might attempt to file similar claims. In the DeKalb
County case  alone, the  plaintiffs  appear to  be seeking  approximately  $67.5
million  of restitution. The DeKalb case has recently been tried and is awaiting
final argument and decision.
 
    On December  6, 1994  the Supreme  Court  ruled in  REICH V.  COLLINS,  that
Georgia had employed a "bait-and-switch" scheme to tax federal pension income in
the  State and then to deny retirees' requests  for a tax refund. The Court left
it up  to  the  Georgia  Supreme Court  to  provide  retirees  with  "meaningful
backward-looking relief." Governor Zell Miller tentatively agreed that the State
would  pay such retirees  $108 million. The State  potentially owes another $100
million to those federal retirees who did not apply for a refund by the  State's
April  1992 deadline.  The Chairman of  the Georgia  State Senate Appropriations
Committee said  that the  Georgia budget  could absorb  the impact  of the  $108
million settlement.
 
    The  foregoing information does  not purport to be  a complete or exhaustive
description of  all conditions  to which  the issuers  of Bonds  in the  Georgia
Insured  Trust are subject. Many factors including national economic, social and
environmental policies and conditions, which are  not within the control of  the
issuers  of Bonds could affect or could  have an adverse impact on the financial
condition of the State and  various agencies and political subdivisions  located
in  the State.  Since Georgia  Bonds in  the Georgia  Insured Trust  (other than
general obligation bonds issued by the  State) are payable from revenue  derived
from  a specific source or authority, the  impact of a pronounced decline in the
national economy  or difficulties  in significant  industries within  the  State
could  result in a decrease in the  amount of revenues realized from such source
or by such  authority and thus  adversely affect the  ability of the  respective
issuers  of  the  Georgia  Bonds  in  the  Georgia  Insured  Trust  to  pay  the
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
debt service requirements on the Georgia Bonds. Similarly, such adverse economic
developments could result in  a decrease in tax  revenues realized by the  State
and thus could adversely affect the ability of the State to pay the debt service
requirements  of any  Georgia general  obligation bonds  in the  Georgia Insured
Trust.
 
GEORGIA 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 1995 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. For
cases in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket,  the
highest  state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined state
and Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments  are
currently  deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 39.0 $     0-114.7      20.0   %     5.94    6.25    6.56    6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      32.5         7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63
                 114.7-172.1      33.0         7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      35.0         7.31    7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00
                 114.7-172.1      36.0         7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
                 172.1-294.6      38.5         7.72    8.13    8.54    8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      41.0         8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
                 172.1-294.6      43.5         8.41    8.85    9.29    9.73   10.18   10.62   11.06   11.50
                  Over 294.6      41.0   2     8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      47.5         9.05    9.52   10.00   10.48   10.95   11.43   11.90   12.38
                  Over 294.6      44.5   3     8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT 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- 23.4 $     0-114.7      20.0         5.94    6.25    6.56    6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      32.5         7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      35.0         7.31    7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00
                 114.7-237.2      36.5         7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      41.5         8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
                  Over 237.2      41.0   2     8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      44.5   3     8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
<FN>
------------------
      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 Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 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 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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
CDs 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 CDs 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
AUGUST 18, 1995
GEORGIA INSURED TRUST 46
(SERIES 819)
    
 
   
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia,         No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa     $       509,995
                   General Power Revenue Bonds, 1992B Series,
                   6.375% Due 1/1/16.
    500,000      Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority        2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             437,480
                   (Georgia), Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (Second
                   Indenture Series), Series 1993A, 5.125% Due
                   7/1/18.
    500,000      City of Atlanta, Georgia, Water and Sewerage        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             437,955
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1993, 5.00% Due 1/1/15.
    500,000      Chatham County School District (Georgia),           2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             533,565
                   General Obligation School Bonds, Series 1994,
                   6.75% Due 8/1/18.
    500,000      Fulton County School District (Georgia),            2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             469,500
                   General Obligation Bonds, Series 1993, 5.625%
                   Due 1/1/21.
    500,000      Hospital Authority of Gordon County (Georgia),      2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             469,380
                   Revenue Anticipation Certificates, Series
                   1995 (Adventist Health System/Sunbelt
                   Obligated Group), 5.75% Due 11/15/25.
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2005 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             455,420
                   Bonds of 1995 (General Obligation Bonds.),
                   5.375% Due 7/1/22. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about May 4, 1995 at a
                   price of 93.916% of principal amount.)
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,313,295
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
-----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 43.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS
 
    (1) Contracts,  which  are  "when-issued"  or  "regular  way"  contracts  or
        contracts having delivery dates beyond the normal settlement date,  have
        been  deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The performance
        of such contracts is secured by an irrevocable letter of credit,  issued
        by  a major commercial bank, which  has been deposited with the Trustee.
        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 right, title and interest in and to such 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;  for
        example,  if bond proceeds are not able  to be used as contemplated, the
        project is condemned or sold, or the project is destroyed and  insurance
        proceeds  are used to  redeem the bonds.  Single family mortgage revenue
        bonds and housing authority bonds are  most likely to be called  subject
        to  such provisions, but other bonds may have similar call features. See
        Section 4 and "General Trust Information" in this Section.
 
        The Trustee's determination of the offering prices of Bonds in the  Fund
        may  be  greater or  less than  the  amounts that  may be  received upon
        redemption or  maturity  of  such Bonds.  Subject  to  rules  concerning
        amortization  of bond  premium and of  original issue  discount, gain or
        loss realized  by  the Trustee  on  disposition  of any  Bonds  will  be
        recognized  as taxable capital gain or loss by Unitholders. (See Section
        4.)
 
    (3) See "Description  of  Ratings" herein.  All  the Bonds  in  the  Insured
        Trusts,  as insured by the  Insurer, are rated AAA  by Standard & Poor's
        and Aaa by Moody's. (See Section 5.)
 
    (4) As determined by  Kenny S&P  Evaluation Services,  a division  of J.  J.
        Kenny Co., Inc., on behalf of the Trustee as of the close of business on
        the business day preceding the Date of Deposit. The prices as determined
        by  Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division  of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc.,
        have been rounded to the nearest dollar.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     TO THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  OF JOHN  NUVEEN  & CO.  INCORPORATED  AND
     UNITHOLDERS OF NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 819:
    
 
   
       We  have audited  the accompanying  statements of  condition and the
     related schedules of investments at  date of deposit (included in  the
     prospectus  herein)  of  Nuveen  Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust,  Series  819
     (comprising North  Carolina Traditional  Trust 291,  National  Insured
     Trust  302, Arizona  Insured Trust 41,  Florida Insured  Trust 215 and
     Georgia Insured  Trust 46),  as of  August 18,  1995. These  financial
     statements  are the responsibility of  the Sponsor. Our responsibility
     is to express an  opinion on these financial  statements based on  our
     audits.
    
 
       We  conducted  our  audits  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 statements  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  audits  provide   a
     reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
       In  our  opinion,  the  statements  of  condition  and  the  related
     schedules of investments at date of deposit referred to above  present
     fairly,  in all material  respects, the financial  position of each of
     the trusts constituting the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series  819
     as   of  August  18,  1995,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
     accounting principles.
    
 
                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
     Chicago, Illinois,
     August 18, 1995.
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
                            Statements of Condition
 
   
                    NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 819
    
 
   
   (North Carolina Traditional Trust 291, National Insured Trust 302, Arizona
   Insured Trust 41, Florida Insured Trust 215 and Georgia Insured Trust 46)
    
   
                             AS OF AUGUST 18, 1995
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          NORTH CAROLINA         NATIONAL             ARIZONA
                                            TRADITIONAL           INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 291           TRUST 302           TRUST 41
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Sponsor's contracts to purchase
 Tax-Exempt Bonds, backed by an
 irrevocable letter of credit(1)(2).....  $     3,337,242     $     7,167,272     $     3,295,610
Accrued interest to August 18, 1995 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           59,571              48,979              40,639
Organizational costs(3).................            5,800              11,400               5,100
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,402,613     $     7,227,651     $     3,341,349
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to August 18, 1995
      on underlying Bonds(4)............  $        59,571     $        48,979     $        40,639
    Accrued organizational costs(3).....            5,800              11,400               5,100
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $        65,371     $        60,379     $        45,739
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (North
      Carolina Traditional Trust
      291--35,000; National Insured
      Trust 302-- 75,000; Arizona
      Insured Trust 41--35,000)
      Cost to investors(5)..............  $     3,509,177     $     7,536,530     $     3,465,400
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(6).................         (171,935)           (369,258)           (169,790)
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     3,337,242     $     7,167,272     $     3,295,610
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,402,613     $     7,227,651     $     3,341,349
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<FN>
(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.
    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 "Schedules of Investments" herein,
    and their aggregate cost to the Trusts are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services as
    of the close of business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Section 10.) Insurance coverage providing for
    the timely payment, when due, of all principal  of and interest on the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts 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)  Each 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 Initial Date of Deposit.
(4) Representing, as set forth in Section 8, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued Bond interest as of the
    Date of Deposit from the later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance thereof.
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as set forth under Section 6.
(6) The gross underwriting commission has been calculated on the assumption that the Units offered by this prospectus are sold in
    single transactions involving less than $50,000 or 500 Units. At this level, the sales charge is 4.90% of the Public Offering
    Price in the case of National and State Trusts, 4.25% thereof  in the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 3.90% in the case  of
    Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% in the case  of Short Intermediate Trusts and  2.50% in the case of  Short Term Trusts. In single
    transactions involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See Section 6.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       45
<PAGE>

    
   
                            Statements of Condition
                             As of August 18, 1995
                                  (Continued)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              FLORIDA             GEORGIA
                                              INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 215           TRUST 46
                                          ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>
Sponsor's contracts to purchase
 Tax-Exempt Bonds, backed by an
 irrevocable letter of credit(1)(2).....  $     3,290,720     $     3,313,295
Accrued interest to August 18, 1995 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           50,577              32,646
Organizational costs(3).................            5,100               4,500
                                          ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,346,397     $     3,350,441
                                          ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to August 18, 1995
      on underlying Bonds(4)............  $        50,577     $        32,646
    Accrued organizational costs(3).....            5,100               4,500
                                          ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $        55,677     $        37,146
                                          ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (Florida
      Insured Trust 215--35,000; Georgia
      Insured Trust 46-- 35,000)
      Cost to investors(5)..............  $     3,460,258     $     3,483,996
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(6).................         (169,538)           (170,701)
                                          ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     3,290,720     $     3,313,295
                                          ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,346,397     $     3,350,441
                                          ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------
<FN>
(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.
    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 "Schedules of Investments" herein,
    and their aggregate cost to the Trusts are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services as
    of the close of business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Section 10.) Insurance coverage providing for
    the timely payment, when due, of all principal  of and interest on the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts 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)  Each 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 Initial Date of Deposit.
(4) Representing, as set forth in Section 8, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued Bond interest as of the
    Date of Deposit from the later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance thereof.
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as set forth under Section 6.
(6) The gross underwriting commission has been calculated on the assumption that the Units offered by this prospectus are sold in
    single transactions involving less than $50,000 or 500 Units. At this level, the sales charge is 4.90% of the Public Offering
    Price in the case of National and State Trusts, 4.25% thereof  in the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 3.90% in the case  of
    Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% in the case  of Short Intermediate Trusts and  2.50% in the case of  Short Term Trusts. In single
    transactions involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See Section 6.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
GENERAL TRUST INFORMATION
 
    RISK FACTORS.
 
    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 above,  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  "Economic
Factors" for each Trust.
 
    HEALTH  FACILITY  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.
 
    HOUSING 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  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
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
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 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.
 
    FEDERALLY  ENHANCED OBLIGATIONS.   Some  of the  mortgages which  secure the
various health care or housing projects which underlie the previously  discussed
Health  Facility, Housing, and  Single Family Mortgage  Revenue Obligations (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
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
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.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the Bonds  in a  Trust may be
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. 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  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.
 
    ELECTRIC  UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of the  Bonds  in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of issuers  whose revenues are  primarily derived from  the sale  of
electric  energy. 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
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
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.
 
    TRANSPORTATION  FACILITY REVENUE 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  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.
 
    UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE 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
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
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 AUTHORITY AND TOLLROAD 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  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 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.
 
    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
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
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  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
Section 11, " What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders".)
 
    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
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
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.
 
4.  COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedules of Investments"
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 the Trust or in 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. Normally,
"regular way"  contracts are  settled and  the Bonds  delivered to  the  Trustee
within  a relatively  short period  of time.  However, 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 does not believe it  is likely, one or more of the  issuers
of such Bonds might decide not to proceed with such offerings. 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 herein 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 herein (which  are
based  on the Public Offering Price as of  the business day prior to the Date of
Deposit) may be  slightly lower than  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 Regarding the Trusts."
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
Schedules of Investments.
 
    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. The Replacement Bonds must be purchased 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 (i)  must
satisfy  the criteria previously described for  Bonds originally included in the
Trust and, with respect  to Bonds purchased  for a State  Trust, shall have  the
benefit of an exemption from state taxation of interest to an extent equal to or
greater  than that of  the Bonds they  replace, (ii) must  have a fixed maturity
date after the date of purchase of  not less than approximately 15 years in  the
case  of National or State Trusts, approximately 11  years in the case of a Long
Intermediate Trust, approximately 5 years in  the case of Intermediate or  State
Intermediate  Trusts, approximately 3 years in  the case of a Short Intermediate
Trust and
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
approximately 1 year in the case of a  Short Term Trust, but not later than  the
maturity date of the Failed Bonds, (iii) must be acquired at a cost to the Trust
equal  to the cost of the same principal  amount of Bonds provided in the failed
contract and have  a current  return and  yield to  maturity not  less than  the
current  return and yield to maturity of the  Failed Bonds and (iv) 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; i.e., the Trust will have  no
managerial power to take advantage of market variation to improve a Unitholder's
investment.
 
    To  the extent the right of  limited substitution described in the preceding
paragraph shall not  be utilized  to acquire  Replacement Bonds  for the  entire
principal amount of Failed Bonds, 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 "Schedules of  Investments" and in most
cases pursuant to sinking fund, special or extraordinary redemption  provisions.
A  bond  subject to  optional  call is  one which  is  subject to  redemption or
refunding prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. A refunding is a method
by which a bond issue is redeemed, at  or before maturity, by the proceeds of  a
new  bond  issue. A  bond subject  to sinking  fund redemption  is one  which is
subject to  partial call  from time  to time  from a  fund accumulated  for  the
scheduled  retirement of  a portion  of an issue  prior to  maturity. Special or
extraordinary redemption  provisions may  provide  for redemption  of all  or  a
portion  of an  issue upon  the occurrence  of certain  circumstances related to
defaults or unanticipated changes  in circumstances. Events  that may permit  or
require  the special or extraordinary redemption of bonds include, among others:
substantial damage to or  destruction of the project  for which the proceeds  of
the  bonds were used; exercise by a local, state or federal governmental unit of
its power of eminent domain to take all or substantially all of the project  for
which  the  proceeds of  the bonds  were  used; a  final determination  that the
interest on the bonds  is taxable; changes in  the economic availability of  raw
materials,  operating supplies or  facilities or technological  or other changes
which render the operation of  the project for which  the proceeds of the  bonds
were  used uneconomical; changes in law  or an administrative or judicial decree
which render the performance  of the agreement under  which the proceeds of  the
bonds  were made  available to  finance the  project impossible  or which create
unreasonable burdens or which impose  excessive liabilities, such as taxes,  not
imposed  on the date the bonds are issued on the issuer of the bonds or the user
of the  proceeds  of the  bonds;  an  administrative or  judicial  decree  which
requires  the cessation of a  substantial part of the  operations of the project
financed with the proceeds of the bonds;
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
an overestimate of the costs of the project to be financed with the proceeds  of
the  bonds resulting in excess proceeds which may be applied to redeem bonds; or
an underestimate of  a source of  funds securing the  bonds resulting in  excess
funds which may be applied to redeem bonds. The Sponsor is unable to predict all
of  the circumstances which may result in  such redemption of an issue of Bonds.
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. Redemption pursuant to optional call provisions  is
more  likely to  occur, and  redemption pursuant to  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions may occur,  when the Bonds have an  offering
side  evaluation which  represents a  premium over  par. Redemption  pursuant to
optional call provisions  may be,  and redemption  pursuant to  sinking fund  or
special or extraordinary redemption provisions is likely to be, at a price equal
to the par value of the bonds without any premium (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 Sections  11 and 13  and the "Schedules  of
Investments.")
 
    CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.   Certain  of  the Bonds  in  each Trust
portfolio may be subject  to continuing requirements such  as the actual use  of
bond proceeds, manner of operation of the project financed from bond proceeds or
rebate  of excess  earnings on  bond proceeds that  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.
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
5.  WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS IN INSURED TRUSTS
 
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 Bonds from the MBIA Insurance Corporation (the
"Insurer").  Some of the Bonds in each 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 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).  The  Insurer  will be
responsible for  such payments,  less any  amounts received  by the  holders  or
owners  of the  Bonds from any  trustee for the  bond issuers or  from any other
sources other  than  the  Insurer.  The Insurer's  policies  relating  to  small
industrial  development bonds and pollution control revenue bonds also guarantee
the full and complete payments required to be made by or on behalf of an  issuer
of  Bonds pursuant  to the  terms of the  Bonds if  there occurs  an event which
results in the  loss of the  tax-exempt status  of the interest  on such  Bonds,
including  principal, interest or premium payments,  if any, as and when thereby
required. The Insurer has  indicated that its insurance  policies do not  insure
the  payment of principal or interest on bonds which are not required to be paid
by the issuer thereof  because the bonds were  not validly issued; as  indicated
under   "What  is  the  Tax  Status  of  Unitholders?"  the  respective  issuing
authorities have  received  opinions  of  bond counsel  relating  to  the  valid
issuance  of each of the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts. The Insurer's policy also
does not insure  against non-payment of  principal of or  interest on the  Bonds
resulting  from the insolvency, negligence  or any other act  or omission of the
trustee or other paying agent  for the Bonds. The policy  is not covered by  the
Property/Casualty  Insurance Security  Fund specified in  Article 76  of the New
York Insurance Law. The policies are non-cancellable and the insurance  premiums
have  been fully paid on or prior to  the Date of Deposit, either by the Sponsor
or, if a policy has been obtained by a Bond issuer, by such issuer.
 
    Upon notification from  the trustee  for any bond  issuer or  any holder  or
owner of the Bonds or coupons that such trustee or paying agent has insufficient
funds  to pay any  principal or interest in  full when due,  the Insurer will be
obligated to deposit funds  promptly with State Street  Bank and Trust  Company,
N.A.,  New York, New York, as fiscal  agent for the Insurer, sufficient to fully
cover the deficit. If notice of nonpayment is received on or after the due date,
the Insurer will provide for payment  within one business day following  receipt
of  the notice. Upon payment  by the Insurer of  any Bonds, coupons, or interest
payments, the Insurer shall succeed  to the rights of  the owner of such  Bonds,
coupons or interest payments with respect thereto.
 
    The   Insurer,  formerly   known  as  Municipal   Bond  Investors  Assurance
Corporation, 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  a limited liability  corporation
rather  than a  several liability association.  The Insurer is  domiciled in the
State of New York  and licensed to  do business in all  50 states, the  District
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
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 one European branch in the Republic of France.
 
    As  of  March 31,  1995  the Insurer  had  admitted assets  of  $3.5 billion
(unaudited), total liabilities  of $2.4 billion  (unaudited), and total  capital
and  surplus of $1.1 billion (unaudited) determined in accordance with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of December 31,  1994, the Insurer had  admitted assets of $3.4
billion (audited),  total  liabilities  of $2.3  billion  (audited),  and  total
capital  and surplus  of $1.1  billion (audited)  determined in  accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.  Copies of the Insurer's year  end financial statements prepared in
accordance with statutory accounting practices  are available from the  Insurer.
The address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504.
 
    Each  insurance company comprising the Association will be severally and not
jointly obligated  under  the Association  policy  in the  following  respective
percentages:  The  AEtna  Casualty  and  Surety  Company,  33%;  Fireman's  Fund
Insurance Company, 30%;  The Travelers Indemnity  Company, 15%; AEtna  Insurance
Company  (now  known  as CIGNA  Property  and  Casualty Company),  12%;  and The
Continental Insurance Company, 10%.  As a several  obligor, each such  insurance
company  will be  obligated only to  the extent  of its percentage  of any claim
under the  Association  policy and  will  not be  obligated  to pay  any  unpaid
obligation  of any  other member  of the  Association. Each  insurance company's
participation is backed by all of its assets. However, each insurance company is
a multiline insurer involved in several lines of insurance other than  municipal
bond  insurance, and the assets of each insurance company also secure all of its
other insurance policy and surety bond obligations.
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial information  with
respect  to  the  five  insurance  companies  comprising  the  Association.  The
statistics, which have been furnished by the Association, are as reported by the
insurance  companies  to  the  New  York  State  Insurance  Department  and  are
determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles. No representation
is  made herein as to the accuracy or  adequacy of such information or as to the
absence of material adverse changes in  such information subsequent to the  date
thereof.  In addition,  these numbers  are subject to  revision by  the New York
State Insurance Department which, if revised, could either increase or  decrease
the amounts.
 
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                           AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.
                                (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......................  $    10,030,200  $     8,275,300   $  1,754,900
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.........................        6,815,775        4,904,534      1,911,241
The Travelers Indemnity Company..........................       10,295,359        8,515,392      1,779,967
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly AEtna
  Insurance Company).....................................        5,112,251        4,842,235        270,016
The Continental Insurance Company........................        2,794,536        2,449,805        344,731
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
        Total............................................  $    35,048,121  $    28,987,266   $  6,060,855
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Standard  & Poor's  rates all  new issues  insured by  the Association "AAA"
Prime Grade.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    Moody's rates all  bond issues insured  by the Association  "Aaa" and  short
term loans "MIG 1", both designated to be of the highest quality.
 
    Each  such rating should be evaluated  independently of any other rating. No
application has  been  made  to any  other  rating  agency in  order  to  obtain
additional  ratings  on the  Bonds. The  ratings  reflect the  respective rating
agency's current assessment of the  creditworthiness of the Association 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.
 
    Moody's  rates all bond  issues insured by the  Insurer "Aaa" and short-term
loans "MIG 1," both designated to be of the highest quality.
 
    Standard & Poor's rates  all new issues insured  by the Insurer "AAA"  Prime
Grade."
 
    The  Moody's rating of the Insurer  should be evaluated independently of the
Standard & Poor's rating  of the Insurer.  No application has  been made to  any
other  rating agency  in order  to obtain additional  ratings on  the Bonds. 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  (See "Description  of Ratings.")  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 either or both ratings
may have an adverse effect  on the market price of  the Bonds. The Insurer  does
not  guarantee the  market price  of the  Bonds nor  does it  guarantee that the
ratings on the Bonds will not be reversed or withdrawn.
 
    Because the insurance on the  Bonds 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.
 
INSURANCE ON CERTAIN BONDS IN 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 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
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   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
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
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  has  rated  the
claims-paying  ability of  each insurer "AAA,"  and Moody's has  rated all bonds
insured by each such insurer, except ConnieLee, "Aaa." Moody's 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.
 
6.  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 of 5.152%  of the aggregate offering prices in the
case of National and  State Trusts, 4.439% of  the aggregate offering prices  in
the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 4.058% of the aggregate offering prices in
the  case of Intermediate Trusts, 3.093% of the aggregate offering prices in the
case of Short Intermediate Trusts and 2.564% of the aggregate offering prices in
the case of Short  Term Trusts, 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.  This computation produces a gross  underwriting
profit  equal to 4.90% of the Public Offering  Price in the case of National and
State  Trusts,  4.25%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of  Long
Intermediate  Trusts,  3.90%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case of
Intermediate Trusts, 3.00%  of the Public  Offering Price in  the case of  Short
Intermediate  Trusts and 2.50% of the Public Offering Price in the case of Short
Term Trusts.
 
    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 described herein  in
the  primary or secondary offering period or units of any other series of Nuveen
Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts 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 United States Trust  Company of New York  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. 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
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
amounts which would have been paid if the higher sales charge had been  applied.
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      LONG INTERMEDIATE
                                                               TRUSTS                  TRUSTS           INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS
                                                       ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                         PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT
                                                           OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET
                                                        OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT
                  NUMBER OF UNITS*                        PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED
-----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Less than 500........................................        4.90%      5.152%       4.25%      4.439%       3.90%      4.058%
500 but less than 1,000..............................        4.75       4.987        4.15       4.330        3.70       3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500............................        4.50       4.712        3.85       4.004        3.50       3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000............................        4.25       4.439        3.60       3.734        3.25       3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000...........................        3.50       3.627        3.35       3.466        3.00       3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000..........................        3.00       3.093        3.00       3.093        2.75       2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000..........................        2.50       2.564        2.50       2.564        2.50       2.564
50,000 or more.......................................        2.00       2.041        2.00       2.041        2.00       2.041
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SHORT INTERMEDIATE
                                                               TRUSTS            SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                                       ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <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, adjusting  the total to  reflect the amount  of any cash  held in  or
advanced  to the principal account  of the Trust and  dividing the result by the
number of Units then outstanding. For  purposes of this calculation, Bonds  will
be  deemed to mature on  their stated maturity dates  unless: (a) the Bonds have
been called for redemption or funds or securities have been placed in escrow  to
redeem  them on  an earlier  call date, in  which case  such call  date shall be
deemed to be the date upon which they mature; or (b) such Bonds are subject to a
"mandatory put," in which case such mandatory put date shall be deemed to be the
date upon  which  they  mature.  Any assumptions  regarding  maturity  made  for
purposes  of  determining the  appropriate  sales charge  in  no way  predict or
guarantee the actual remaining life of a given Trust.
 
    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
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
principal  amount of the Trust. In the  course of regularly appraising the value
of Bonds in each Trust, the Sponsor will attempt to estimate the date on which a
Trust's value will  fall below the  20% level based  on anticipated bond  events
over a five year period, including maturities, escrow calls and current calls or
refundings, assuming certain market rates. The Sponsor intends from time to time
to  recommend that certain Trusts whose values have fallen or are anticipated to
fall below the  20% level be  terminated based on  certain criteria which  could
adversely  affect the Trust's  diversification. Once the  Sponsor has determined
that a Trust's  value has or  may fall below  the 20% level  within a  five-year
period,  for purposes of  computing the sales  charge using the  table set forth
below, the maturity of each bond in such Trust will be deemed to be the  earlier
of  the estimated termination  date of the  Trust, or the  actual date used when
pricing  the  bond  under  Municipal  Securities  Rulemaking  Board  rules   and
interpretations issued thereunder.
 
    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,  in  accordance with  the  following
schedule.  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>
                                            $50,000     $100,000     $250,000     $500,000     $1,000,000     $2,500,000
                                UNDER         TO           TO           TO           TO            TO             TO
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999     $249,999     $499,999     $999,999     $2,499,999     $4,999,999
---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------
Less than 1................           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%
2 but less than 3..........       2.041        1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626         1.420          1.225
3 but less than 4..........       2.564        2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041         1.781          1.546
4 but less than 5..........       3.093        2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459         2.175          1.883
5 but less than 7..........       3.627        3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881         2.460          2.165
7 but less than 10.........       4.167        3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239         2.828          2.489
10 but less than 13........       4.712        4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788         3.253          2.842
13 but less than 16........       5.263        4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167         3.627          3.169
16 or more.................       5.820        5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603         4.004          3.500
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                          <C>
 
                              $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY               OR MORE
---------------------------  -------------
Less than 1................            0
1 but less than 2..........         .750%
2 but less than 3..........        1.030
3 but less than 4..........        1.310
4 but less than 5..........        1.590
5 but less than 7..........        1.870
7 but less than 10.........        2.150
10 but less than 13........        2.430
13 but less than 16........        2.710
16 or more.................        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  any Trust, including one  consisting entirely of Bonds
with 16 years  or more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820% of  the net  amount
invested).  For purposes of illustration, the sales charge on a Trust consisting
entirely of Bonds  maturing in 13  to 16 years  would be 5%  (5.263% of the  net
amount  invested); that on a Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in five
to seven years would be 3.5% (3.627% of the net amount invested); and that on  a
Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in three to four years would be 2.5%
(2.564%  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.
 
    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 on each day on which the New York  Stock
Exchange  (the "Exchange") is normally open  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. 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.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
    As more fully set  forth in Section 8,  accrued interest from the  preceding
Record  Date to, but not including, the  settlement date of the transaction will
be added to the Public Offering Price to determine the purchase price of  Units.
The date of settlement is currently three business days after purchase.
 
    The  above graduated sales charges 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  an individual and his or her spouse  and
children  under 21 years of  age 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 or  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  (see
Section  17) 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.
Notwithstanding anything to  the contrary  in this  Prospectus, such  investors,
bank  trust departments,  firm employees and  bank holding  company officers and
directors who purchase Units through this program 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 approximately 1% to 2% more than the
BID  prices of such Bonds  in the case of  National, Long Intermediate and State
Trusts, 3/4%  to 1  1/2% in  the  case of  Intermediate and  Short  Intermediate
Trusts,  and  1/2% to  3/4% in  the case  of Short  Term Trusts.  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
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
this  purpose,  a "business  day"  shall be  any day  on  which the  Exchange is
normally open. (See Section 16.)
 
7.  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. If the supply of Units of any of the Trusts
of  this Series exceeds demand,  or for some other  business reason, the Sponsor
may discontinue purchases of Units of such Trust at such prices. UNITHOLDERS WHO
WISH TO DISPOSE OF THEIR UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER  AS
TO  THE  CURRENT  REDEMPTION PRICE  (SEE  SECTION  19). 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 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 as  the  Trustee can  complete the  mechanics  of
registration.  The date  of settlement  is currently  three business  days after
purchase. Normally, Certificates, if  any, are mailed by  the Trustee 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  as tender of  the Certificate,  properly
endorsed for transfer. (See Section 19.)
 
    Each  Unit of  each respective  Trust initially  offered by  this Prospectus
represents that fractional  undivided interest  in such  Trust as  is set  forth
under "Essential Information Regarding the Trusts." 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.
 
8.  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. Interest
accrues to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date  of
their purchase transaction.
 
    Accrued interest does not include accrual of original issue discount on zero
coupon  bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount bonds. (See
"Summary of Portfolios--General Trust Information"  and "What Is The Tax  Status
of Unitholders.")
 
    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
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
paid to the Sponsor as the holder of record of all Units on the Date of Deposit.
Consequently,  when the Sponsor  sells Units of  a Trust, the  amount of accrued
interest to be  added to  the Public Offering  Price to  determine the  purchase
price  of the  Units of such  Trust purchased  by an investor  will include only
accrued interest from the  Date of Deposit  to, but not  including, the date  of
settlement  of the investor's purchase, less  any distributions from the related
Interest Account. The date of settlement is currently three business days  after
purchase.  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 Sections  3 and 13.) 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.
 
9.  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  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  to a
specified date of any premium over or discount from the par (maturity) value  in
the  bond's  purchase  price. In  calculating  Estimated Long  Term  Return, the
average yield for  the 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. Once the average portfolio yield is computed,
this figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of  the
maximum  sales  charge  paid  by  investors.  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.
 
                                      A-18
<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 the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the 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 Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the  calculation of Estimated Long  Term Return. There thus  can be no assurance
that the Estimated Current Returns or Estimated Long Term Returns quoted  herein
will  be  realized  in  the  future.  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  the Trust; such actual holding periods  may be reduced by termination of the
Trust, as described in "AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF INDENTURE." 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.
 
    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  Regarding
the Trusts" and Sections 4 and 11.)
 
    For a statement of the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit under the monthly
plan  of  distribution,  and Estimated  Long  Term Yield  and  Estimated Current
Returns based on the Public Offering Prices of the Trusts in this Series, all as
of the day prior  to the Date of  Deposit, see "Essential Information  Regarding
the Trusts."
 
10.  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., 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 Evaluation Services, a  division of J. J.  Kenny Co., Inc., evaluated
the Bonds as so insured. (See Section 5).
 
    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 Section  3.) 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.
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
11.  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 exemption of interest  thereon from Federal income
tax 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
"Summary of  Portfolios--  Tax Status"  for  the respective  State  Trust.  (See
Sections  2 and 3.)  Neither the Sponsor  nor its counsel  have 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.
 
    Taxpayers  must  disclose  on  their  Federal  tax  returns  the  amount  of
tax-exempt  interest  earned  during  the  year.  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.
 
    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  accrued interest or
accrued original issue discount, if any.)  A portion of a Unitholder's gain,  to
the extent of accreted market discount, may be treated as ordinary income rather
than capital gain if the Bonds were purchased by a Trust at a market discount or
if  the Unitholder purchased his  or her Units at a  market discount on or after
April 30, 1993. 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.
 
    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. Tax-exempt interest received by each of the  Trusts
        on  Bonds  deposited  therein  will  retain  its  status  as  tax-exempt
        interest, for Federal income tax  purposes, when received by the  Trusts
        and  when distributed  to the  Unitholders, except  that the alternative
        minimum tax and  environmental tax (the  "Superfund Tax") applicable  to
        corporate  Unitholders  may, in  certain  circumstances, include  in the
        amount on which  such taxes  are calculated  a portion  of the  interest
        income  received by  the Trust. 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
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (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  date the  Unitholders  pay for  their  Units 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
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
        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 date of acquisition of the
        Units. The  tax cost  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 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 by the respective issuer 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.
 
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 Section 3.
 
    ALL STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL, STATE OR
OTHER TAXES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
 
    The redemption of Units in a Trust  by a Unitholder would result in each  of
the  remaining Unitholders of said Trust owning a greater proportionate interest
in the remaining assets  of said Trust. Although  present law does not  directly
address  this matter, it  would appear reasonable  that a remaining Unitholder's
tax basis in  his Units would  include his proportionate  share of any  proceeds
received by the Trust on the sale of bonds which were not distributed to him but
were  instead used by  the Trust to redeem  Units and that his  tax basis in the
remaining assets of the  Trust would accordingly be  increased by such share  of
proceeds, based on the relative fair market value of the remaining assets of the
Trust as of the date of such redemption.
 
    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. The  accrual of  tax-exempt original  issue discount  on zero  coupon
bonds  and other original issue discount bonds will result in an increase in the
Unitholder's basis in  such obligations and,  accordingly, in his  basis in  his
Units.
 
    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). Under the
Tax   Act,   accretion   of   market    discount   is   taxable   as    ORDINARY
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
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.
 
    The Internal Revenue Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase  or carry  obligations, the  interest on  which is  wholly
exempt  from Federal income taxes, is not deductible. Because each Unitholder is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as the owner of a pro rata share of  the
Bonds owned by the applicable Trust, interest on borrowed funds used to purchase
or  carry Units  of such  Trust will  not be  deductible for  Federal income tax
purposes. Under rules used by the Internal Revenue Service for determining  when
borrowed  funds are  considered 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  to purchase  or improve  a personal  residence).
Similar  rules are  generally applicable for  state tax  purposes. Special rules
apply in  the  case  of  certain  financial  institutions  that  acquire  Units.
Investors  with questions regarding  these issues should  consult with their tax
advisers.
 
    In general,  each  issue  of bonds  in  the  Trusts is  subject  to  certain
post-issuance  requirements which must be  met in order for  the interest on the
Bonds to be and remain exempt from Federal income taxation. Bond counsel to each
issuer generally has opined that, assuming continuing compliance by such issuers
with certain covenants, interest on such  Bonds will continue to be exempt  from
Federal income taxation (other than with respect to the application to corporate
Unitholders  of the alternative  minimum tax or the  Superfund Tax, as discussed
below).
 
    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.
 
    For  taxpayers  other than  corporations,  net capital  gains  are presently
subject to a maximum tax  rate of 28 percent. However,  it should be noted  that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax rates and
could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and capital gains are
taxed.
 
    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  operation loss  deduction).  Although tax-exempt
interest received by each of the Trusts  on Bonds deposited therein will not  be
included  in the gross  income of corporations for  Federal income tax purposes,
"adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest, including interest
on all Bonds in the Trust and tax-exempt original issue discount.
 
    Corporate Unitholders  are urged  to  consult their  own tax  advisers  with
respect  to the particular tax consequences  to them resulting under the Federal
tax law, including the
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch profits  tax
imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
 
    EXCEPT  AS NOTED ABOVE AND IN SECTION  3, THE EXEMPTION OF INTEREST ON STATE
AND LOCAL  OBLIGATIONS FOR  FEDERAL  INCOME TAX  PURPOSES 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.
 
12.  WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No annual advisory fee is charged the  Trusts by the Sponsor. The Sponsor  does,
however,  receive a fee  of $0.17 per  annum per $1,000  principal amount of the
underlying Bonds  in each  Trust  for regularly  evaluating  the Bonds  and  for
maintaining surveillance over the portfolio. (See Section 16.)
 
    The  Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for each
plan of  distribution for  each Trust  as set  forth in  "Essential  Information
Regarding  the Trusts." 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" since the establishment  of the Trusts. The Trustee has  the
use  of funds, if any, being held in the Interest and 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 Fund 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, legal fees and
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 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.
    
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
    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.
 
13.  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.
 
    Details  of distributions  per Unit  of each  Trust under  the various plans
based upon estimated Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit are shown
in the tables appearing  in Section 3. The  amount of the regular  distributions
will  remain the same so long as each  Trust portfolio remains the same and fees
and expenses remain the same, and will generally change when Bonds are redeemed,
mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
    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 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
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
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 Section 18.)  If no notice is
received in proper form by  the Trustee, the Unitholder  will be deemed to  have
elected to continue the same plan.
 
    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  the
Trust's  assets until such time  as the Trustee shall return  all or any part of
such amounts to the appropriate account.
 
    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  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. (See Section 19.)
 
    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.
 
14.  ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The  Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, is also the principal underwriter
of the  Nuveen Municipal  Bond Fund,  Inc. (the  "Bond Fund"),  Nuveen  Tax-Free
Reserves, Inc. ("Tax-Free Reserves"), Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc. (the
"California  Fund"),  Nuveen Tax-Free  Bond Fund,  Inc. ("Tax-Free  Bond Fund"),
Nuveen Insured Tax-Free  Bond Fund, Inc.  (the "Insured Bond  Fund") and  Nuveen
Tax-Free  Money  Market Fund,  Inc.  (the "Money  Market  Fund") and  the Nuveen
Multistate  Tax-Free  Trust  (the  "Multistate  Trust").  Each  of  these  funds
(together,  the  "Accumulation Funds")  is  an open-end,  diversified management
investment  company  into  which  Unitholders  may  choose  to  reinvest   Trust
distributions  automatically,  without any  sales  charge. (Reinvestment  in the
California Fund is available only  to Unitholders who are California  residents.
Reinvestment in the State Portfolios of the Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Insured Bond
Fund,  the  Money Market  Fund and  the  Multistate Trust  is available  only to
Unitholders who  are residents  of  the states  for  which such  portfolios  are
named.)  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 Nuveen  Advisory Corp.,  a  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of  the  Sponsor. The  following  is  a general  description  of the
investment objectives  and  policies  of  each Accumulation  Fund.  For  a  more
detailed description, Unitholders should read the prospectus of the Accumulation
Fund in which they are interested.
 
THE BOND FUND
 
    The  Bond  Fund has  the  objective of  providing,  through investment  in a
professionally managed portfolio of long-term  municipal bonds, as high a  level
of  current interest income exempt from Federal income tax as is consistent with
preservation of capital. The Bond Fund  may include in its portfolio  tax-exempt
bonds rated Baa or BBB or better by Moody's or
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
Standard  &  Poor's,  unrated bonds  which,  in  the opinion  of  the investment
adviser, have credit  characteristics equivalent to  bonds rated Baa  or BBB  or
better,  and certain  temporary investments,  including securities  the interest
income from which may be subject to Federal income tax.
 
TAX-FREE RESERVES
 
    Tax-Free Reserves is a  "money market" fund that  includes in its  portfolio
only  obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of acquisition,
maintains an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or less, values its
portfolio at amortized cost and seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per
share. It provides checkwriting and expedited wire redemption privileges for its
shareholders.  Tax-Free  Reserves  has  the  objective  of  providing,   through
investment  in  a professionally  managed portfolio  of high  quality short-term
municipal obligations, as high  a level of current  interest income exempt  from
Federal  income  tax  as is  consistent  with  preservation of  capital  and the
maintenance of  liquidity.  Tax-Free  Reserves  may  include  in  its  portfolio
municipal obligations rated Aaa, Aa, MIG-1, VMIG-1 or Prime-1 by Moody's or AAA,
AA, SP-1 or A-1 by Standard & Poor's, unrated municipal obligations that, in the
opinion  of the  investment adviser,  have credit  characteristics equivalent to
obligations  rated  as  above,  tax-exempt   obligations  backed  by  the   U.S.
Government, and temporary investments that may be subject to Federal income tax.
 
THE CALIFORNIA FUND
 
    The  California Fund has  the objective of  providing, through investment in
professionally managed portfolios of California municipal obligations, as high a
level of current interest income exempt from both Federal and California  income
taxes as is consistent with the investment policies of each of the portfolios of
the  California Fund  and with  preservation of  capital. Each  portfolio of the
California Fund may include  temporary investments that may  be subject to  tax.
California Unitholders may reinvest in one of three portfolios of the California
Fund:  The Nuveen California Tax-Free Value  Fund, the Nuveen California Insured
Tax-Free Value Fund and the Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
 
    The Nuveen California  Tax-Free Value  Fund invests  primarily in  long-term
investment  grade California  tax-exempt bonds  (I.E., bonds  rated in  the four
highest categories by  Moody's or Standard  & Poor's or,  if unrated, that  have
equivalent credit characteristics). The Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value
Fund  invests primarily  in the  same type  of investments  as the  Special Bond
Portfolio, each of which is covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment
of principal  and  interest  or  is  backed by  a  deposit  of  U.S.  Government
securities.
 
    The  Nuveen  California  Tax-Free  Money Market  Fund  invests  primarily in
high-quality short term  California tax-exempt money  market instruments  (I.E.,
obligations  rated in the two highest categories by Moody's or Standard & Poor's
or, if unrated,  that have  equivalent credit  characteristics). This  portfolio
will  include  only  obligations  maturing  within one  year  from  the  date of
acquisition, will maintain an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or
less, will value its portfolio at amortized cost and will seek to maintain a net
asset value of $1.00 per share. The Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
provides for an expedited wire redemption privilege.
 
THE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
 
    The Tax-Free Bond Fund consists  of the Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free  Value
Fund,  the Nuveen New York  Tax-Free Value Fund, the  Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free Value
Fund, and the Nuveen  New Jersey Tax-Free Value  Fund, which are each  available
for  reinvestment to Unitholders who  are residents of the  state for which such
portfolio is  named. The  Tax-Free Bond  Fund has  the objective  of  providing,
through investment in a professionally managed
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
portfolio  of municipal bonds, as high a level of current interest income exempt
both from Federal income tax and from the income tax imposed by each portfolio's
designated state as  is consistent  with preservation of  capital. The  Tax-Free
Bond  Fund may include in  each of its portfolios  tax-exempt bonds rated Baa or
BBB or better; unrated  bonds which, in the  opinion of the investment  adviser,
have  credit characteristics equivalent to bonds rated Baa or BBB or better; and
certain temporary  investments, including  securities the  interest income  from
which may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE INSURED BOND FUND
 
    The  Insured Bond Fund  consists of the Nuveen  Insured Municipal Bond Fund,
the Nuveen Massachusetts  Insured Tax-Free Value  Fund and the  Nuveen New  York
Insured  Tax-Free  Value  Fund, which  are  each available  for  reinvestment to
Unitholders. (The Massachusetts and  New York Portfolios  are available only  to
those  Unitholders who  are residents  of the state  for which  the portfolio is
named.) The Insured Bond Fund has the objective of providing, through investment
in professionally managed  portfolios of  municipal bonds,  as high  a level  of
current  interest income exempt from both Federal income tax and, in the case of
designated state portfolios,  from the  income tax imposed  by each  portfolio's
designated  state, as  is consistent with  preservation of  capital. The Insured
Bond Fund may include in each of its portfolios the same type of investments  as
the  Tax-Free Bond Fund, each of which  is covered by insurance guaranteeing the
timely payment of  principal and  interest or  is backed  by a  deposit of  U.S.
Government securities.
 
THE MONEY MARKET FUND
 
    The  Money Market Fund  consists of the  Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Money
Market Fund and the Nuveen New York  Tax-Free Money Market Fund, which are  each
available  for reinvestment  to Unitholders who  are residents of  the state for
which such portfolio is named. The Money Market Fund includes in its  portfolios
only  obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of acquisition,
maintains an average  maturity of  120 days or  less, values  its portfolios  at
amortized  cost and seeks to maintain a net  asset value of $1.00 per share. The
Money Market  Fund  has  the  objective  of  providing,  through  investment  in
professionally   managed  portfolios   of  high   quality  short-term  municipal
obligations, as high a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal
income tax and from the income tax imposed by each portfolio's designated  state
as  is consistent with stability of  principal and the maintenance of liquidity.
The  Money  Market  Fund  may  include  in  each  of  its  portfolios  municipal
obligations  rated Aaa, Aa, MIG-1, MIG-2, VMIG-1,  VMIG-2, Prime 1 or Prime 2 by
Moody's or  AAA, AA,  SP-1,  SP-2, A-1  or A-2  by  Standard &  Poor's;  unrated
municipal  obligations  that, in  the opinion  of  the investment  adviser, have
credit characteristics equivalent to obligations  rated as above; and  temporary
investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE MULTISTATE TRUST
 
    The Multistate Trust consists of the Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen  Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund,
the Nuveen Pennsylvania  Tax-Free Value Fund  and the Nuveen  Virginia Tax  Free
Value  Fund, which  are each available  for reinvestment to  Unitholders who are
residents of the state for which  such portfolio is named. The Multistate  Trust
has  the objective of providing, through  investment in a professionally managed
portfolio of municipal bonds, as high a level of current interest income  exempt
from  both regular Federal  income tax and the  applicable state personal income
tax as is  consistent with  preservation of  capital. The  Multistate Trust  may
include  in each  of its  portfolios tax-exempt  bonds rated  "Baa" or  "BBB" or
better, unrated bonds  which, in  the opinion  of the  investment advisor,  have
credit characteristics equivalent to
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
bonds  rated  "baa" or  "BBB" or  better, limited  to  no more  than 20%  of the
Multistate Trust's assets, and certain temporary investments that may be subject
to Federal and state income tax.
 
    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
Shareholder  Services, Inc., 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.
 
    Shareholder Services, Inc. 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  Shareholder Services,  Inc. 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.
 
15.  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 and, if any, 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
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
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.
 
16.  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 the 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 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.
 
17.  HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated is the Sponsor and 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, 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.
 
    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:
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
 
<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  Section 7.  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 Section 6, 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.
 
    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  primary  or
secondary market purchases in which an investor purchases any number of Units at
the  Public Offering Price for non-breakpoint purchases minus the concession the
sponsor typically allows  to brokers  and dealers  for non-breakpoint  purchases
(see Section 6).
 
    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
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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.
 
18.  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.
 
    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 corporate  trust office in New  York
City, 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.
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
    The indemnification protects the  Trustee, Sponsor, and  Trust from risk  if
the original Certificate is presented for transfer or redemption by a person who
purchased  it  in good  faith,  for value  and without  notice  of any  fraud or
irregularity.
 
    This indemnification  must  be  in the  form  of  an Open  Penalty  Bond  of
Indemnification.  The premium for such  an indemnity bond may  vary from time to
time, 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.
 
19.  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  corporate trust office in New York City (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 in  Section  18 above,  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.  In order  to
effect  a  redemption of  Units evidenced  by a  Certificate, a  Unitholder must
tender the Certificate to the Trustee or provide satisfactory indemnity required
in connection with lost, stolen or  destroyed Certificates (See Section 18).  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 person.  If  the
telephone  redemption request is  received prior to 4:00  p.m. eastern time, the
Unitholder will be  entitled to receive  for each Unit  tendered the  Redemption
Price  as determined above.  A telephone redemption  request received after 4:00
p.m. eastern time will be treated as having been received the following business
day. The redemption proceeds will be mailed within seven calendar days following
the telephone redemption  request. Telephone  redemptions are  limited to  1,000
Units  or less. 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
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.  Such
value will vary with market and credit conditions, including changes in interest
rate  levels.  Unitholders should  check  with the  Trustee  or their  broker to
determine the Redemption Price before tendering Units.
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>
    While the Trustee has the power to determine Redemption Price when Units are
tendered, the authority has  by practice been delegated  by the Trustee to  John
Nuveen  & Co.  Incorporated, which  determines the  Redemption Price  on a daily
basis.
 
    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 on any day
on which the New  York Stock Exchange (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 Section 21.) 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  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% to  2% of
principal amount in the case of  Bonds in National, Long Intermediate and  State
Trusts,  3/4%  to  1  1/2% in  the  case  of Bonds  in  Intermediate,  and Short
Intermediate Trusts and 1/2% to 3/4% in the case of Bonds in Short Term  Trusts.
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 difference between the aggregate offering prices of the
Bonds in each Trust  and the aggregate  bid prices thereof  on the business  day
prior  to  the Date  of Deposit  is shown  in the  discussion of  specific trust
matters.
 
    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 31% 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  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."
 
20.  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
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>
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 Section  19.) 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.
 
    The  Public Offering  Price upon  resale of any  Units thus  acquired by the
Sponsor will be  calculated in accordance  with the procedure  described in  the
then currently effective prospectus relating to such Units. Any profit resulting
from  the resale of  such Units will  belong to the  Sponsor which likewise will
bear any loss resulting from a  lower Public Offering Price or Redemption  Price
subsequent to its acquisition of such Units.
 
21.  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  the "Schedules  of Investments"  and "General  Trust Information"
under Section 3 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.
 
    In  connection with its determination  as to the sale  or liquidation of any
Bonds, the Sponsor  will consider the  Bond's then current  rating, but  because
such  ratings are the opinions of the rating agencies as to the quality of Bonds
they undertake to rate and not  absolute standards of quality, the Sponsor  will
exercise its independent judgment as to Bond creditworthiness.
 
    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 Section 4 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
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>
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.
 
22.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
   
The Trustee is United States Trust Company of New York, with its principal place
of  business at 114 West 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 and its corporate
trust office at  770 Broadway,  New York, New  York 10003.  United States  Trust
Company  of New York, established in  1853, has, since its organization, engaged
primarily in the  management of trust  and agency accounts  for individuals  and
corporations. The Trustee is a member of the New York Clearing House Association
and  is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of Banks of
the State of New York, the  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the  Board
of  Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  In connection with the storage and
handling of  certain Bonds  deposited in  the Trusts,  the Trustee  may use  the
services   of  The  Depository  Trust  Company.  These  services  would  include
safekeeping of the Bonds and  coupon-clipping, computer book-entry transfer  and
institutional  delivery  services. The  Depository  Trust Company  is  a limited
purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New  York,
a  member of the Federal  Reserve System and a  clearing agency registered under
the Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934. Commencing  September  1,  1995,  Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. will become successor to United States Trust Company of New
York  as Trustee of  the Trusts. This  change will have  no material effect upon
Unitholders of the Trusts.
    
 
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.
 
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.
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>
    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.
 
23.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Sponsor and Underwriter, was founded in 1898
and  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 the Sponsor began sponsoring the
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust and, since this  time, it has issued more than  $30
billion  in tax-exempt unit trusts, including over $8 billion in insured trusts.
The Sponsor is  also principal underwriter  of the Nuveen  Municipal Bond  Fund,
Inc.,  the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market  Fund, Inc., Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves,
Inc., Nuveen California Tax-Free  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Tax-Free Bond Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  Insured Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc.  and Nuveen Tax-Free Money Market Fund,
Inc., all  registered open-end  management investment  companies, 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 California  Municipal Income  Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen New York  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  New York  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 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 New Jersey Quality  Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Ohio
Quality  Income  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Pennsylvania  Quality   Income
Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Texas  Quality Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen California
Quality Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New  York Quality Income  Municipal
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  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 Ohio Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Pennsylvania
Premium  Income  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen  Texas Premium  Income  Municipal Fund,
Nuveen  Premium   Income   Municipal   Fund   4,   Inc.,   Nuveen   Pennsylvania
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Insured Florida 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 Insured
New York  Premium Income  Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen  New Jersey  Premium  Income
Municipal  Fund  2,  Nuveen  Washington Premium  Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen
Michigan  Premium  Income  Municipal  Fund  2,  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  New Jersey  Premium  Income Municipal  Fund  3, Nuveen
Florida Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New York Premium Income  Municipal
Fund,  Nuveen  California  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen Pennsylvania
Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen Maryland Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen
Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen Ohio Premium Income  Municipal
Fund  2,  Nuveen  Insured Premium  Income  Municipal Fund  2,  Nuveen California
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, all registered closed-end management investment
companies.  These  registered  open-end  and  closed-end  investment   companies
currently  have  approximately  $32.8  billion  in  tax-exempt  securities under
management. Nationwide, more than 1,000,000 individual investors have  purchased
Nuveen's  tax exempt trusts and funds.  The present corporation was organized in
1967 as  a  wholly-owned subsidiary  of  Nuveen Corporation,  successor  to  the
original  John  Nuveen  & Co.  founded  in  1898 as  a  sole  proprietorship and
incorporated in  1953.  In  1974,  John  Nuveen  &  Co.  Incorporated  became  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of The  St. Paul Companies,  Inc., a financial services
management company  located in  St. Paul,  Minnesota. On  May 19,  1992,  common
shares  comprising a  minority interest  in The  John Nuveen  Company ("JNC"), a
newly organized corporation which holds all  of the shares of Nuveen, were  sold
to  the  general  public in  an  initial  public offering.  St.  Paul  retains a
controlling interest in  JNC with over  70% of  JNC's shares. The  Sponsor 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).  It
maintains 14 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.
 
24.  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
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>
any Trust  except  as  stated  in  Section 4  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 Regarding the Trusts.") 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  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 the 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
under  Section 3. 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  Statements of Condition and Schedules of Investments at Date of Deposit
included  in  this  Prospectus  have  been  audited  by  Arthur  Andersen   LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report in this Prospectus,
and  are included herein in reliance upon  the authority of said firm as experts
in giving said report.
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*
 
    STANDARD & POOR'S.  A description of the applicable Standard & Poor's 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.
 
    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.
 
----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>
    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.
 
RATINGS OF INSURED TRUST UNITS.
 
    A  Standard &  Poor's rating  on the  units of  an insured  investment trust
(hereinafter referred  to collectively  as "units"  and "trusts")  is a  current
assessment  of  creditworthiness with  respect to  the  investment held  by such
trust. This assessment takes  into consideration the  financial capacity of  the
issuers  and of any guarantors, insurers,  lessees or mortgagors with respect to
such investments. The assessment, however, does not take into account the extent
to which  trust  expenses or  portfolio  asset sales  for  less than  the  trust
purchase  price  will  reduce payment  to  the  unitholder of  the  interest and
principal required to be paid on  the portfolio assets. In addition, the  rating
is  not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold units, inasmuch as the rating
does not comment as to market price of the units or suitability for a particular
investor.
 
    Units rated "AAA" are composed exclusively of assets that are rated "AAA" by
Standard &  Poor's  and/or certain  short-term  investments. Standard  &  Poor's
defines  its  AAA rating  for  such assets  as  the highest  rating  assigned by
Standard &  Poor's to  a debt  obligation. Capacity  to pay  interest and  repay
principal  is very strong. However,  unit ratings may be  subject to revision or
withdrawal at any time by Standard & Poor's and each rating should be  evaluated
independently of any other rating.
 
    MOODY'S.   A brief description of  the applicable Moody's 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
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>
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.
 
                                      A-41
<PAGE>
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                                      A-42
<PAGE>
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                                      A-43
<PAGE>
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                                      A-44
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                <S>        <C>
           NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
                           PROSPECTUS
                           215,000 Units
                           North Carolina Traditional
                           Trust 291
                           National Insured Trust 302
                           Arizona Insured Trust 41
                           Florida Insured Trust 215
                           Georgia Insured Trust 46
</TABLE>
    
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                 <S>        <C>
            NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
           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             United States Trust Company
                               of New York
                               770 Broadway
                               New York, NY 10003
                               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 supplementary 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  a  Unit Investment  Trust  under the
   Investment Company Act  of 1940. Such  registration does not  imply that  the
   Trusts  or any of their Units  has been guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or
   approved by the United States or any State or agency or officer thereof.
 
   
   819
    

<PAGE>
                  *********************************************
                  *    PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED  8/21/95  *
                  *********************************************
                          NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    100,000 UNITS                                             SERIES 821
                                                     (A Unit Investment Trust)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

    The attached final Prospectus for a prior Series is hereby used as a
preliminary Prospectus for the above-stated Series.  The narrative 
information and structure of the attached final Prospectus will be 
substantially the same as that of the final Prospectus for this Series.  
Although the attached Prospectus includes trusts as indicated 
therein, the specific trusts included in this Series when deposited may
differ from such trusts.  Information with respect to the actual trusts to
be included, pricing, the number of Units, dates and summary information
regarding the characteristics of securities to be deposited in this Series
is not now available and will be different since each Series has a unique
Portfolio.  Accordingly the information contained herein with regard to the
previous Series should be considered as being included for informational 
purposes only.  Ratings of the securities in this Series are expected to be
comparable to those of the securities deposited in the previous Series.
However, the Estimated Current Return for this Series will depend on the 
interest rates and offering prices of the securities in this Series and may
vary materially from that of the previous Series.

  **************************************************************************
  * A registration statement relating to the units of this Series has been *
  * filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet      *
  * become effective.  Information contained herein is subject to comple-  *
  * tion or amendment.  Such Units 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 the Units in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale    *
  * would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the     *
  * securities laws of any such state.                                     *
  **************************************************************************



<PAGE>

Statement of differences between electronic filing and printed document.
   Pursuant to Rule 499(c) (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule
0-11 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) On the cover page, in the index and on the last page of the printed
document, solid vertical bars will appear.
   (3) In the printed document, footnote symbols may include a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger".  The "dagger" symbol is represented as # in the electronic
document.
   (4) The printed and distributed prospectus will not  contain the
preliminary prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first
prospectus page.


<PAGE>

                 NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 821

                             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)

FORM N-8B-2                                      FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER                                      HEADING IN PROSPECTUS

    I.   ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

1.  (a)  Name of trust                    )   Prospectus Cover Page
    (b)  Title of securities issued       )

2.  Name and address of Depositor         )23 Information About the Sponsor

3.  Name and address of Trustee           )22 Information About the Trustee

4.  Name and address of principal         )23 Information About the Sponsor
    Underwriter                           )

5.  Organization of trust                 ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
                                          )   Unit Trust?

6.  Execution and termination of          ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
    Trust Agreement                       )   Unit Trust?
                                          )22 Information About the Trustee
                                          )24 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         ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
    trust's securities                    ) 5 Why and How are the Bonds
                                              Insured?
                                           13 When Are Distributions
                                              Made to Unitholders?
                                          )18 Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                              Without Charge
                                          )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts
                                          )22 Information About the Trustee
                                          )23 Information About the Sponsor
                                          )24 Other Information

                                          )11 What Is The Tax Status of
                                          )   Unitholders?

11. Type of securities comprising         ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
    units                                 )   Unit Trust?
                                          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
                                          ) 2 What Are The Objectives Of
                                          )   The Trusts?
                                            5 Why and How are the Bonds
                                              Insured?

12. Certain information regarding         )   *
    periodic payment certificates         )

13. (a)Load, fees, expenses, etc.         )ii Essential Information Regarding
                                          )   the Trusts on Date of Deposit of
                                                Bonds
                                          ) 6 How Is The Public Offering Price
                                          )   Determined?
                                          ) 7 Market For Units
                                          ) 8 What Is Accrued Interest?
                                          ) 9 What Is The Estimated Current
                                          )   Return?
                                          )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                          )    Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?
                                          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   to Certificateholders?
                                          )15 How Detailed Are Reports To
                                                Certificateholders?


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    (b)Certain information regarding      )   *
       periodic payment certificates      )


    (c)Certain percentages                ) 6 How Is the Public Offering Price
                                          )   Determined?
                                          ) 7 Market For Units
                                          ) 9 What Is The Estimated Current
                                          )   Return?
                                          )10 How Was The Price of the Bonds
                                          )   Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          ) 8 What is Accrued Interest?

    (d)Certain other fees, etc.           )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
       payable by holders                 )   Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?
                                          )18 Ownership and Transfer of Units

    (e)Certain profits receivable         ) 4 Composition of Trusts
       by depositor, principal under-     )
       writer, trustee or affiliated      )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
       persons                            )   The Sponsor

    (f)Ratio of annual charges
       to income                                *

14. Issuance of trust's securities        ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   To Unitholders?
                                          )18 Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                          )   Without Charge

15. Receipt and handling of payments      )   *
    from purchasers                       )

16. Acquisition and Disposition of        ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
    Underlying Securities                 )   Unit Trust?
                                          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
                                          ) 5 Why and How are the Bonds
                                              Insured?
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                              Without Charge
                                          )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts
                                          )24 Other Information

17. Withdrawal or redemption              ) 7 Market For Units
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                          )   Without Charge
                                          )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
                                          )   The Sponsor

18. (a)Receipt and disposition of income  ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are  Distributions
                                              Made To Unitholders?
                                          )15 How Detailed Are Reports To
                                          )   Unitholders?

    (b)Reinvestment of distributions      )14 Accumulation Plan

    (c)Reserves or special funds          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are Distributions
                                          )   Made To Certificateholders?

    (d)Schedule of distributions          )   *

19. Records, accounts and reports         )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   To Certificateholders?
                                          )15 How Detailed Are Reports To
                                          )   Certificateholders?

20. Certain miscellaneous provisions of   )22 Information About the Trustee
    Trust Agreement                       )23 Information About the Sponsor
                                          )24 Other Information


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21. Loans to security holders             )   *

22. Limitations on liability              ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
                                          )22 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             )23 Information About the Sponsor

26. Fees received by Depositor            )   *

27. Business of Depositor                 )23 Information About the Sponsor

28. Certain information as to officials   )  *
    and affiliated persons of Depositor   )

29. Voting Securities of Depositor        )23 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    )

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    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            )17 How Units of The Trusts Are
                                          )   Distributed To The Public
    (c)Selling agreements                 )

39. (a)Organization of principal          )
         underwriter                      )
                                          )23 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 under- )    *
       writer                             )
                                          )
    (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                )ii Essential Information Regarding
                                          )   The Trusts On Date Of Deposit Of
                                          )   Bonds
                                          ) 6 How Is The Public Offering Price
                                          )   Determined?
                                          )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                          )   Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?


    (b)Schedule as to offering price      )   *

    (c)Variation in offering price to     ) 6 How Is the Public Offering Price
       certain persons                    )   Determined?
                                          ) 8 What Is Accrued Interest?
                                          )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                          )   Determined At Date of Deposit?

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45. Suspension of redemption rights       )   *

46. (a)Redemption valuation               )16 Unit Value and Evaluation
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                          )   Without Charge
                                          )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
                                          )   The Sponsor

    (b)Schedule as to redemption price    )   *

47. Maintenance of position in underlying ) 5 How Is the Public Offering Price
    securities                            )   Determined?
                                          )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
                                          )   The Sponsor

    V.   INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN

48. Organization and regulation of Trustee)21 Information About The Trustee

49. Fees and expenses of Trustee          )ii Essential Information Regarding
                                          )   The Trusts On Date of Deposit Of
                                          )   Bonds
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?

50. Trustee's lien                        )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?
                                          )13 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 )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
       respect to selection or elimination)   Expenses?
       of underlying securities           )19 How Units May Be Redeemed With-
                                          )   out Charge
                                          )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts

    (b)Transactions involving elimination )   *
       of underlying securities           )

    (c)Policy regarding substitution or   ) 3 Summary of Portfolio
       elimination of underlying          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
       securities                         )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts

    (d)Fundamental policy not otherwise   )   *
       covered                            )

53. Tax status of trust                   )11 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         )
57.)periodic payment certificates         )
58.)                                      )

__________

*Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required.



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                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

A.  BONDING ARRANGEMENTS OF DEPOSITOR:

    The Depositor has obtained the following Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for
    its officers, directors and employees:

    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

B.  This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:

    The facing sheet

    The Prospectus

    The signatures

    Consents of Counsel

    Exhibits


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                                   SIGNATURES


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
Registrant, Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 821, has duly caused 
this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned 
thereunto  duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois 
on 8/21/95.
 

                               NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 821
                                  (Registrant)

                                  By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                  (Depositor)

                              
                                    By:  Larry Woods Martin 
                                         _______________________
                                         Vice President
                                         

                              
                                Attest:  Morrison C. Warren
                                         ___________________
                                         Assistant Secretary 
                                         


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons 
in the capacities and on the date indicated:

SIGNATURE                    *TITLE                        DATE

Richard J. Franke       Chairman, Board of Directors, )
                        Chief Executive Officer and   )
                        Director                      )
                                                      )
Donald E. Sveen         President, Chief Operating    )
                        Officer and Director          )
                                                      )
Anthony T. Dean         Executive Vice President and  )Larry Woods Martin
                        Director                      )Attorney-in-Fact**
                                                      )
Timothy T. Schwertfeger Executive Vice President and  )
                        Director                      )
                                                      )
O. Walter Renfftlen     Vice President and Controller )
                        (Principal Accounting Officer))
                                                      )
                                                      )8/21/95

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*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. Franke, Sveen,
Renfftlen, Dean and Schwertfeger with the Amendment to the Registration
Statement on Form S-6 of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 671
(File No. 33-49175). 




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                          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 will be filed by Amendment.

                            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
will be filed by Amendment.

                    CONSENT OF STANDARD + POOR'S CORPORATION

    The consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation to the use of its name
in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by
Amendment.

                    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 will be filed by Amendment.

                      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 will be filed by Amendment.

                        CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

    The consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to the use of its report and to the
reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in the Registration 
Statement will be filed by Amendment.



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LIST OF EXHIBITS:

    1.1(a)    Copy of Trust Indenture and Agreement between John Nuveen & Co.
              Incorporated, Depositor, and United States Trust Company of
              New York, Trustee.  Filed as Exhibit 1.1(A) to the Sponsor's
              Registration Statement filed with respect to Series 723
              (File No. 33-52527) and is incorporated herein by reference. 

    1.1(b)    Schedules to Trust Indenture and Agreement (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    1.2*      Copy of Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of John Nuveen
              & Co. Incorporated, Depositor.

    1.3**     Copy of amendment of Certificate of Incorporation changing name
              of Depositor to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated.

    2.1       Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1(A) and
              Incorporated herein by reference).

    3.1       Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered
              (to be supplied by amendment).

    3.2       Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities
              being registered (to be supplied by amendment).

    3.3       Consents of special state counsel to the Fund for state tax
              matters to use of their names in the Prospectus (to be supplied
              by amendment).

    4.1       Consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    4.2       Consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    4.3       Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    6.1       List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related
              information (incorporated by reference to Form S-6 [File 
              No. 33-58059] filed on March 13, 1995 on behalf of Nuveen
              Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 795).

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*Incorporated by reference to Form N-8B-2 (File No. 811-1547) filed on 
behalf of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 16.

**Incorporated by reference to Form N-8B-2 (File No. 811-2198) filed on 
behalf of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 37.


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